Malicious Code Injection in certain_hippopotamus_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100313: Malicious code in certain_hippopotamus_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The certain_hippopotamus_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation and publication of derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and republish variants, leading to potential security risks for developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the certain_hippopotamus_0xrequest package. This payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The intent is to flood the npm registry with these variants, which can lead to reputation inflation for the attackers and potential security risks for users who unknowingly install these compromised packages. The continuous republishing of these variants can pollute the npm ecosystem, making it difficult for developers to identify legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall certain_hippopotamus_0xrequestIf 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 avoid using the certain_hippopotamus_0xrequest package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your package-lock.json file to monitor for any suspicious packages.
Conclusion
The certain_hippopotamus_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies essential files and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove this package from their projects, ensuring they replace it with secure alternatives. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that modifies your package.json file and floods the npm registry, posing security risks.
You should uninstall the certain_hippopotamus_0xrequest package immediately and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
