Malicious Code Vulnerability in apparent_hamster_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99516: Malicious code in apparent_hamster_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The apparent_hamster_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. They aim to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol. However, this functionality has led to significant security concerns due to the malicious behavior embedded within these packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the apparent_hamster_0xrequest package originates from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with spammy packages. The malicious code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages in their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall apparent_hamster_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 avoid using the apparent_hamster_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The apparent_hamster_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert to ensure the integrity of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for apparent_hamster_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through spammy package publishing.
Using this package can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall apparent_hamster_0xrequest' and look for alternatives.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without requiring any signup.
