Malicious Code Injection in async-json-metalsmith-elektra Package
Summary
MAL-2025-139628: Malicious code in async-json-metalsmith-elektra (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The async-json-metalsmith-elektra package is part of the npm ecosystem and is used in conjunction with Metalsmith, a static site generator. This package is intended to facilitate asynchronous JSON processing within the Metalsmith framework. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's package publishing system, leading to severe vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the async-json-metalsmith-elektra package. This payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which are then republished to the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the affected package but also pollutes the npm ecosystem, potentially leading to reputation damage for developers and security risks for users who unknowingly install these malicious variants.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall async-json-metalsmith-elektraIf 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 prevent the installation of the async-json-metalsmith-elektra package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock dependencies. Additionally, you can monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which analyzes your package-lock.json file for any known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The async-json-metalsmith-elektra package has been compromised with malicious code that poses significant risks to users and the npm ecosystem. It is essential to take immediate action by removing the package and monitoring your project for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for async-json-metalsmith-elektra →
FAQ
It is an npm package designed to work with Metalsmith for asynchronous JSON processing.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that modifies your package.json and repopulates the npm registry with harmful packages.
You should immediately remove the package and check for any unauthorized changes to your project files.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities by analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
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