Malicious Code Injection in cheerful_leopard_dumbs: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-100366: Malicious code in cheerful_leopard_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
cheerful_leopard_dumbs is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package, like others in the tea.xyz token reward scheme, is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. It modifies essential files, such as package.json, to remove private flags and alters version numbers, making it a significant threat to developers and the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package cheerful_leopard_dumbs, which is linked to a broader malicious campaign that utilizes autopublish scripts to create and publish numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages. The malicious payload alters package.json files, removing private flags and changing version numbers, which can lead to unintended exposure of sensitive information and compromise the integrity of applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall cheerful_leopard_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, avoid using cheerful_leopard_dumbs and any packages that may have been published as derivatives. Regularly audit your package dependencies to ensure no malicious packages are included.
Conclusion
The cheerful_leopard_dumbs package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior of modifying package files and publishing derivative packages. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies to maintain the integrity and security of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for cheerful_leopard_dumbs →
FAQ
cheerful_leopard_dumbs is an npm package identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the exposure of sensitive information and the introduction of malicious code into your application, compromising its security and integrity.
Immediately uninstall cheerful_leopard_dumbs using npm uninstall cheerful_leopard_dumbs and audit your dependencies for any other malicious packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just package-lock.json. You can check your application for vulnerabilities without any signup at the Vulert playground.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and stay informed about known vulnerabilities in the packages you use.
