Malicious Code Injection in cheap_falcon_dumbs: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-100357: Malicious code in cheap_falcon_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'cheap_falcon_dumbs' is part of a series of malicious npm packages linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by creating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This activity aims to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, compromising the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'cheap_falcon_dumbs' originates from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that employs autopublish scripts to alter package.json files. This manipulation removes private flags, modifies version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for developers using these packages, and a degradation of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall cheap_falcon_dumbsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can avoid using the 'cheap_falcon_dumbs' package altogether. If it is already in your project, consider removing it and replacing it with a trusted alternative. You can execute the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall cheap_falcon_dumbs.
Conclusion
The 'cheap_falcon_dumbs' package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious intent to manipulate the registry. Developers are advised to remove this package from their projects and monitor their dependencies for any potential vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
See every vulnerability recorded for cheap_falcon_dumbs →
FAQ
'cheap_falcon_dumbs' is an npm package identified as part of a malicious campaign that manipulates the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may expose your project to security risks if you inadvertently use these malicious packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command: npm uninstall cheap_falcon_dumbs, and consider replacing it with a trusted alternative.
Currently, there is no specific patch for 'cheap_falcon_dumbs'. The best course of action is to remove the package from your project.
