Malicious Code Injection in circular_spider-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100503: Malicious code in circular_spider-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The circular_spider-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of applications that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the circular_spider-appteadev package originates from its inclusion in a campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages contain scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, change version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores but also leads to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially affecting other packages and applications relying on it. The malicious payload can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of the package's functionality.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall circular_spider-appteadevIf 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 temporarily prevent the use of this package by removing it from your dependencies and ensuring that your project does not rely on any of its functionalities until a secure version is released.
Conclusion
The circular_spider-appteadev package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to applications using it. It is essential to uninstall this package and monitor for updates to ensure the security of your software. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to unauthorized changes in your application, potentially compromising its security.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the circular_spider-appteadev package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that may be released.
Currently, there is no patched version available. It is recommended to remove the package until a secure version is released.
