Malicious Code Injection in back_krill_0xrequest Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-99730: Malicious code in back_krill_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The back_krill_0xrequest package is part of a broader set of malicious npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The primary functionality of these packages is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making them a significant threat to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the back_krill_0xrequest package, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to the distribution of compromised software. The ramifications include loss of trust in the npm registry, potential data breaches, and the inadvertent use of malicious code by developers who rely on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall back_krill_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the back_krill_0xrequest package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and remove any malicious packages.
Conclusion
The back_krill_0xrequest package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package and regularly audit your dependencies to maintain the security of your projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in monitoring for such vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for back_krill_0xrequest →
FAQ
The back_krill_0xrequest package is a malicious npm package designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising security and integrity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
You should immediately uninstall the back_krill_0xrequest package and audit your project for any other malicious dependencies.
Yes, tools like npm audit and Vulert can help you identify and manage vulnerabilities in your npm packages.
