Malicious Code Injection in bored_bird-tool: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-100047: Malicious code in bored_bird-tool (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The bored_bird-tool package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various development tasks. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit npm's package publishing system. This package is linked to the tea.xyz token reward scheme, which has been associated with numerous other malicious packages flooding the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in bored_bird-tool stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and changes version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to manipulate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall bored_bird-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, avoid using the bored_bird-tool package and consider alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which analyzes your package-lock.json file for any open-source vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The bored_bird-tool package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that manipulates npm's publishing system. It is crucial for developers to be aware of such vulnerabilities and take immediate action to remove affected packages and monitor their projects for security threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for bored_bird-tool →
FAQ
bored_bird-tool is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The malicious code can lead to unauthorized changes in your project's dependencies, potentially compromising the security and integrity of your application.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall bored_bird-tool' and monitor your project for any further vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to analyze your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities without requiring any signup.
Yes, consider using other npm packages that provide similar functionality but have a good reputation and are not associated with malicious activities.
