Malicious Code Injection in 'closed_mouse_dumbs' Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-100612: Malicious code in closed_mouse_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'closed_mouse_dumbs' package is part of a series of malicious packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aimed to manipulate npm's package registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. Its functionality is compromised, making it a vector for malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the inclusion of malicious scripts within the 'closed_mouse_dumbs' package. These scripts modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This not only affects the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall closed_mouse_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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor your dependencies. You can also use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall closed_mouse_dumbs.
Conclusion
The 'closed_mouse_dumbs' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in maintaining a secure development environment.
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FAQ
It is a malicious npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of compromised packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately uninstall the package using 'npm uninstall closed_mouse_dumbs' and check your project for any other compromised packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can also check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, tools like Vulert provide real-time monitoring and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities, helping you maintain the security of your software.
