Malicious Code Injection in associated_seahorse-tool: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-99645: Malicious code in associated_seahorse-tool (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The associated_seahorse-tool is an npm package that is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards for developers by generating and publishing derivative packages. However, it has been compromised to include malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata and flood the npm registry with unwanted packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the associated_seahorse-tool package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which leads to the pollution of the npm registry. The malicious payload is designed to inflate developer reputation scores fraudulently, posing a risk to the integrity of the npm ecosystem and potentially affecting other packages and developers relying on npm.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall associated_seahorse-toolIf 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 associated_seahorse-tool package from your project by executing the command: 'npm uninstall associated_seahorse-tool'. This will prevent the malicious code from executing until a fix is applied.
Conclusion
The associated_seahorse-tool package has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and to remain vigilant about monitoring their dependencies for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The associated_seahorse-tool is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to reward developers through token incentives.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project by introducing unwanted packages and altering your package metadata.
If you have installed the associated_seahorse-tool package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. You can also check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly update your packages to their latest versions, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review your package dependencies for any malicious code.
