Malicious Code Vulnerability in animatecss-tailwind-vectrix: Exploitation via Private Dependency
Summary
MAL-2026-18074: Malicious code in animatecss-tailwind-vectrix (npm). Affects animatecss-tailwind-vectrix versions 2.0.6 – 2.0.7. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
animatecss-tailwind-vectrix is a Tailwind CSS plugin designed to integrate Animate.css animations into Tailwind projects. It allows developers to easily add animations to their web applications, enhancing user experience. However, this package has been compromised, with malicious code embedded in a private dependency that can execute harmful actions when the plugin is loaded.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the animatecss-tailwind-vectrix package versions 2.0.6 and 2.0.7, which are linked to a malicious campaign. The package requires a private scoped dependency, @aaron205whitmore/postcss-animate-utils, which is not publicly accessible. This dependency contains malicious code that executes when the Tailwind configuration file is loaded, potentially compromising the developer's environment and application. The malicious code is designed to run without any visible install scripts or network calls, making it particularly insidious.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall animatecss-tailwind-vectrixIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the animatecss-tailwind-vectrix package until a secure version is released. Alternatively, consider using other animation libraries that do not have known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The animatecss-tailwind-vectrix package has been compromised, posing a significant risk to developers using it. It is essential to stay informed about vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to secure your applications. Regular updates and monitoring tools like Vulert can help mitigate risks associated with open-source dependencies.
See every vulnerability recorded for animatecss-tailwind-vectrix →
FAQ
The vulnerability involves malicious code embedded in a private dependency that executes harmful actions when the plugin is loaded.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
You should update to the latest patched version of the package as soon as it becomes available.
While specific exploits have not been detailed, the malicious code could potentially compromise the developer's environment and application security.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review the code of third-party packages before integrating them.
