Malicious Code Injection in controlled_termite-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100953: Malicious code in controlled_termite-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The controlled_termite-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. The primary functionality of this package is to facilitate the generation and publication of derivative packages, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded in the controlled_termite-appteadev package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. The ramifications include the potential for developers to unknowingly publish compromised packages, which can damage their reputation and lead to security risks in applications that depend on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall controlled_termite-appteadevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the controlled_termite-appteadev package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which analyzes your package-lock.json file for known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The controlled_termite-appteadev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity and security of their applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
If your project uses the controlled_termite-appteadev package, it may inadvertently publish compromised packages, leading to security risks and potential damage to your reputation.
You should uninstall the controlled_termite-appteadev package immediately and monitor your project for any other vulnerabilities.
You can use tools like Vulert, which allows you to check your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities without requiring installation or access to your code.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
