Malicious Code Injection in deaf_peacock-excellentdev: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-101230: Malicious code in deaf_peacock-excellentdev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'deaf_peacock-excellentdev' package is part of the npm ecosystem and has been identified as a component of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality is compromised by malicious scripts that alter package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'deaf_peacock-excellentdev' originates from malicious code embedded within the package. This 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 behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall deaf_peacock-excellentdevIf 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 avoid using the 'deaf_peacock-excellentdev' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unauthorized changes to package.json.
Conclusion
The 'deaf_peacock-excellentdev' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
The package contains malicious code that modifies package metadata and floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall deaf_peacock-excellentdev' and monitor your project for any unauthorized changes.
Using this package can lead to security breaches, unauthorized access to your project, and damage to your reputation as a developer.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and stay updated on security advisories related to the packages you use.
