Malicious Code Injection in appalling_falcon_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99501: Malicious code in appalling_falcon_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The appalling_falcon_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood npm with malicious packages. Its primary functionality is to facilitate requests, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the appalling_falcon_0xrequest package arises from the inclusion of malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. The malicious payload continuously republishes variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to security risks for users who unknowingly install these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall appalling_falcon_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, avoid using the appalling_falcon_0xrequest package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The appalling_falcon_0xrequest package contains a serious vulnerability due to malicious code that alters package metadata and can lead to security risks. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your open-source dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been compromised to include malicious code aimed at manipulating package metadata and inflating developer reputation scores.
The malicious code can lead to the unintended publication of compromised packages, potentially exposing your project to security vulnerabilities and reputation damage.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
If you have installed the appalling_falcon_0xrequest package, you should uninstall it immediately and look for alternative packages that do not have known vulnerabilities.
Yes, it is advisable to regularly monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert to stay informed about potential risks.
