Malicious Code Injection in axios-electron-builder-module-css-loader: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-139827: Malicious code in axios-electron-builder-module-css-loader (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The axios-electron-builder-module-css-loader is a package used in JavaScript applications, particularly those built with Electron, to handle CSS loading in a streamlined manner. It is designed to simplify the integration of CSS files into Electron applications. However, this package has been compromised, making it susceptible to malicious code injection, which can lead to severe security risks for developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has infiltrated the npm ecosystem. This package contains scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names, aimed at inflating developer reputation scores. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and continuously republishes variants, polluting the npm registry. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and a compromised development environment.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall axios-electron-builder-module-css-loaderIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider removing the axios-electron-builder-module-css-loader package from your project until a secure version is released. You can do this by executing the command: npm uninstall axios-electron-builder-module-css-loader.
Conclusion
The axios-electron-builder-module-css-loader package has been compromised, posing significant risks to developers and users. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
The vulnerability involves malicious code that alters package metadata and repackages it, leading to potential security risks.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
Consequences include unauthorized access to your application, data breaches, and the risk of your development environment being compromised.
You should check the official npm repository for the axios-electron-builder-module-css-loader package for any available patches or updates.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider removing the package from your project as a temporary measure.
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