Malicious Code Injection in absolute_woodpecker_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99045: Malicious code in absolute_woodpecker_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The absolute_woodpecker_dumbs package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package appears to be associated with a token reward campaign that has led to the proliferation of malicious packages on npm. Its primary function is to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, this functionality has been compromised, making it susceptible to exploitation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the absolute_woodpecker_dumbs package stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall absolute_woodpecker_dumbsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the absolute_woodpecker_dumbs package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can use tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The absolute_woodpecker_dumbs package presents a significant security risk due to its malicious behavior, which can compromise the integrity of applications using it. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant, remove any affected packages, and utilize monitoring tools like Vulert to safeguard their projects against such vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the absolute_woodpecker_dumbs package immediately and monitor your application for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
Regularly monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert, and keep your packages updated to the latest versions to mitigate risks.
