Malicious Code Exploit in active_snake_white-91: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-99099: Malicious code in active_snake_white-91 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'active_snake_white-91' is part of a series of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses a significant risk to developers relying on these packages for their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the 'active_snake_white-91' package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for applications using these packages, and exploitation of developer reputation systems. The malicious payload is designed to operate stealthily, making it difficult for developers to detect its presence.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall active_snake_white-91If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the 'active_snake_white-91' package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always review the packages you include in your project for any signs of malicious behavior.
Conclusion
The 'active_snake_white-91' package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm package publishing. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. Taking immediate action to remove this package can help safeguard your application from potential risks.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with a malicious campaign that inflates developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising your application's security.
You should uninstall the 'active_snake_white-91' package immediately and review your project's dependencies for any other potentially harmful packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
