Malicious Code Injection in cute_otter_replicate_automation Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101178: Malicious code in cute_otter_replicate_automation (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The cute_otter_replicate_automation package is part of a broader ecosystem within npm, primarily utilized for automation tasks. However, it has been identified as a malicious package that is involved in a token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the generation of derivative packages. This package is particularly vulnerable due to its design, which allows for the modification of critical files and the republishing of altered versions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the cute_otter_replicate_automation package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and changes version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these altered packages, potentially leading to further exploitation or reputation damage.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall cute_otter_replicate_automationIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the cute_otter_replicate_automation package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, ensure that your npm registry is set to a trusted source to minimize the risk of downloading malicious packages.
Conclusion
The cute_otter_replicate_automation package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package files and republished variants. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove any affected packages from their projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for cute_otter_replicate_automation →
FAQ
It is an npm package designed for automation tasks but has been identified as malicious due to its involvement in a token reward campaign.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, Vulert can monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
