Malicious Code Injection in continued_roundworm_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100937: Malicious code in continued_roundworm_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The continued_roundworm_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. The package's primary functionality revolves around facilitating this automated process, but it has been compromised, leading to significant security concerns.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the continued_roundworm_0xrequest package stems from malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which are then continuously republished to pollute the npm registry. The origin of this issue is linked to a broader campaign aimed at exploiting npm's package management system, potentially leading to reputational damage for developers and security risks for applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall continued_roundworm_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 prevent the installation of the continued_roundworm_0xrequest package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. You can also use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall continued_roundworm_0xrequest.
Conclusion
The continued_roundworm_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies critical files and repopulates the npm registry with harmful variants. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a campaign to automate the generation of derivative packages for token rewards.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and reputational damage.
You should update the package to a patched version or uninstall it entirely to mitigate risks.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without any signup.
