Malicious Code Injection in defensive_gamefowl_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101271: Malicious code in defensive_gamefowl_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The defensive_gamefowl_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages that contain malicious scripts. These scripts are designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores, posing significant risks to users and the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the defensive_gamefowl_0xrequest package stems from its inclusion in a series of malicious packages that automate the generation and publication of derivative packages. These packages contain scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and create random package names. This behavior leads to pollution of the npm registry and can compromise the security of applications relying on this package. The malicious payload can potentially allow attackers to execute unauthorized code or manipulate application behavior.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall defensive_gamefowl_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 the malicious package by avoiding its use in your project. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file 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 defensive_gamefowl_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm package metadata. Users are advised to remove the package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in maintaining the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for defensive_gamefowl_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to malicious activities in the npm registry.
You can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities. The Vulert playground allows you to check for affected packages without requiring signup.
Using this package can lead to unauthorized code execution, manipulation of application behavior, and pollution of the npm registry, compromising the security of your application.
Yes, you can uninstall the package using npm uninstall defensive_gamefowl_0xrequest and check for secure alternatives or updates.
Immediately uninstall the package and monitor your project for any unusual behavior. Consider using security tools like Vulert for ongoing vulnerability management.
