Malicious Code Injection in dead_orca_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101223: Malicious code in dead_orca_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The dead_orca_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages typically include scripts that automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior raises significant concerns regarding the integrity and security of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the dead_orca_0xrequest package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the security of applications using this package but also affects the overall health of the npm ecosystem by creating a cluttered environment filled with potentially harmful packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm's publishing mechanisms.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall dead_orca_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 this package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock down your dependencies. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The dead_orca_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and utilize monitoring tools like Vulert to stay informed about vulnerabilities in their dependencies.
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FAQ
The dead_orca_0xrequest package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your application by allowing malicious code to modify your package.json file and pollute the npm registry.
You should uninstall the dead_orca_0xrequest package immediately and monitor your dependencies for any vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
