Malicious Code Injection in cheap_hedgehog_dumbs: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-100360: Malicious code in cheap_hedgehog_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'cheap_hedgehog_dumbs' is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only clutters the npm registry but also poses a significant risk to developers who may unknowingly incorporate these packages into their projects.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'cheap_hedgehog_dumbs' stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is intended to pollute the npm registry and can lead to developers inadvertently using compromised packages, potentially exposing their applications to further vulnerabilities and security risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall cheap_hedgehog_dumbsIf 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 'cheap_hedgehog_dumbs' package and instead look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall cheap_hedgehog_dumbs.
Conclusion
The 'cheap_hedgehog_dumbs' package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their applications for any security issues. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your software.
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FAQ
'cheap_hedgehog_dumbs' is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores by flooding the npm registry with derivative packages.
If your application uses 'cheap_hedgehog_dumbs', it may inadvertently include malicious code that can compromise your application's security and integrity.
You should immediately uninstall 'cheap_hedgehog_dumbs' and check your application for any potential security issues that may have arisen from its use.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and stay informed about the packages you include in your projects.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
