Malicious Code Injection in academic_mollusk_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99062: Malicious code in academic_mollusk_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The academic_mollusk_dumbs package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various academic-related functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful packages. This package is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant security risks for users relying on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package being part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative. It contains scripts that automatically modify the package.json file, removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk of unintentional exposure of sensitive information and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall academic_mollusk_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 manually remove the package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall academic_mollusk_dumbs. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionalities without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The academic_mollusk_dumbs package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for any signs of compromise. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially exposing sensitive information and affecting your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the academic_mollusk_dumbs package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without needing to sign up.
