Malicious Code Injection in dark_cricket-appteadev: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-101208: Malicious code in dark_cricket-appteadev (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
Background
The package dark_cricket-appteadev is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit npm's publishing mechanisms. It is designed to generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names, which can lead to reputation inflation for certain token rewards. The presence of such malicious packages poses a significant risk to developers and users relying on npm for secure and reliable packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in dark_cricket-appteadev originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also compromises the integrity of the packages, potentially allowing for further exploitation or unintended consequences for users who unknowingly install these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall dark_cricket-appteadevIf 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 measure, avoid using the dark_cricket-appteadev package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before installation.
Conclusion
The dark_cricket-appteadev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to exploit npm's publishing system. It is essential for developers to remain vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your applications from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for dark_cricket-appteadev →
FAQ
dark_cricket-appteadev is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that modifies your package.json file and republish variants, potentially compromising your application's integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall dark_cricket-appteadev' and check for any other affected packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
