Malicious Code Injection in complex_rattlesnake_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100774: Malicious code in complex_rattlesnake_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The complex_rattlesnake_dumbs package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which are often used to inflate developer reputation scores. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the complex_rattlesnake_dumbs package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The primary goal of this malicious payload is to continuously republish variants of the package, thereby polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to security risks for developers who unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall complex_rattlesnake_dumbs
If 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 avoid using the complex_rattlesnake_dumbs package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The complex_rattlesnake_dumbs package poses a significant security risk due to its embedded malicious code. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for complex_rattlesnake_dumbs →
FAQ
It is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code can modify your package.json, remove private flags, and republish variants, leading to potential security vulnerabilities.
You should uninstall the complex_rattlesnake_dumbs package immediately using 'npm uninstall complex_rattlesnake_dumbs'.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.