Malicious Code Injection in char-bundle-route-refactor-async Package
Summary
MAL-2025-186120: Malicious code in char-bundle-route-refactor-async (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The char-bundle-route-refactor-async package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for routing in JavaScript applications. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful packages. This package is designed to manipulate its own metadata and publish variants to inflate developer reputation scores, posing a significant risk to users and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from malicious code embedded within the char-bundle-route-refactor-async package. This code is part of a broader scheme associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and continuously republishing variants, which can lead to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation of users who unknowingly install these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall char-bundle-route-refactor-asyncIf 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 char-bundle-route-refactor-async package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The char-bundle-route-refactor-async package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant risks to users and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for char-bundle-route-refactor-async →
FAQ
It is an npm package used for routing in JavaScript applications, but it has been compromised with malicious code.
The malicious code modifies package metadata and can lead to the installation of harmful variants, compromising your application's integrity.
You should immediately update the package to the latest version or remove it from your project to prevent potential exploitation.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, keep them updated, and use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
