Malicious Code Injection in added_termite_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99119: Malicious code in added_termite_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The added_termite_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This functionality, while intended for legitimate purposes, has been exploited to introduce malicious code.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious payload embedded within the added_termite_0xrequest package. This payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly install these compromised packages, potentially leading to further exploitation of their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall added_termite_0xrequestIf 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 remove the added_termite_0xrequest package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall added_termite_0xrequest. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The added_termite_0xrequest package contains a significant vulnerability that can compromise applications by injecting malicious code. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing monitoring tools like Vulert to safeguard your projects.
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FAQ
The added_termite_0xrequest package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that modifies your package.json file, potentially compromising your application and its dependencies.
If you have installed the added_termite_0xrequest package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can check your application for vulnerabilities without any signup at the Vulert playground.
To prevent future vulnerabilities, regularly update your packages, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and audit your dependencies for any malicious code.
