Malicious Code Injection in complex_swallow-gooddev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100776: Malicious code in complex_swallow-gooddev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The complex_swallow-gooddev package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards associated with the tea.xyz protocol. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and continuously republish variants, thereby polluting the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the complex_swallow-gooddev package originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these malicious packages. The payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall complex_swallow-gooddevIf 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 complex_swallow-gooddev package altogether. If it is already included in your project, remove it by executing: npm uninstall complex_swallow-gooddev. Additionally, consider using a tool like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The complex_swallow-gooddev package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code injection capabilities. It is crucial for developers to be aware of such vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to secure their projects. Regular updates and monitoring tools like Vulert can help mitigate these risks effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for complex_swallow-gooddev →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code, compromising the integrity of your project and potentially exposing sensitive data.
You should immediately remove the package and update your dependencies. Monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, Vulert allows you to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without any signup.
