Malicious Code Injection in citra-kue56-ruro: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-100530: Malicious code in citra-kue56-ruro (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'citra-kue56-ruro' 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 generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior aims to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, posing a significant risk to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'citra-kue56-ruro' stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of these variants. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also compromises the security of applications relying on these packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a broader trend of malicious packages flooding the npm ecosystem, specifically targeting developers involved in the tea protocol.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall citra-kue56-ruroIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the 'citra-kue56-ruro' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages using tools like npm audit to identify vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'citra-kue56-ruro' package represents a serious threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The main risk is that it modifies package.json files and floods the npm registry with malicious variants, potentially compromising the security of applications.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall citra-kue56-ruro' and check for any other affected packages.
Yes, tools like npm audit and Vulert can help you identify and manage vulnerabilities in your npm packages.
The tea.xyz token reward campaign is significant because it has led to the proliferation of malicious npm packages, which pose a threat to developers and the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
