Malicious Code Vulnerability in chosen_vulture_0xrequest - npm Package Exploit
Summary
MAL-2025-100395: Malicious code in chosen_vulture_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The chosen_vulture_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior poses significant risks to the integrity of the npm registry and can lead to the proliferation of malicious software.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in chosen_vulture_0xrequest originates from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This allows the package to continuously republish variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising other projects that depend on these packages. The malicious behavior is part of a broader trend of using npm for nefarious purposes, impacting the security and reliability of the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall chosen_vulture_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can remove the chosen_vulture_0xrequest package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall chosen_vulture_0xrequest. This will prevent any malicious code from executing in your environment.
Conclusion
The chosen_vulture_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating the npm registry. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your project from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for chosen_vulture_0xrequest →
FAQ
chosen_vulture_0xrequest is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed chosen_vulture_0xrequest, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and check your project for any unintended changes.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
