Malicious Code Injection in coloured_gopher_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100686: Malicious code in coloured_gopher_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The coloured_gopher_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications. It has been identified as part of a larger campaign that exploits npm's package management system to inflate developer reputation scores through malicious practices. This package is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages with altered metadata, leading to potential security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the coloured_gopher_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a token reward campaign that aims to manipulate npm's ecosystem for fraudulent gains. The ramifications include compromised package integrity, potential security breaches, and a degraded trust in the npm registry.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall coloured_gopher_0xrequestIf 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 avoid using the coloured_gopher_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
Conclusion
The coloured_gopher_0xrequest package poses significant security risks due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm's ecosystem. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity and security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for coloured_gopher_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
The malicious code can compromise your application's integrity and security by altering package metadata and potentially introducing harmful dependencies.
You should remove the coloured_gopher_0xrequest package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without requiring any signup.
