Malicious Code Injection in deliberate_skink_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101297: Malicious code in deliberate_skink_0xrequest (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 deliberate_skink_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood npm with malicious packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate the npm registry by creating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names, thereby inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the deliberate_skink_0xrequest package arises from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This behavior can compromise the integrity of the npm ecosystem and potentially expose users to further security risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall deliberate_skink_0xrequest
If 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 deliberate_skink_0xrequest package and replace it with a trusted alternative that provides similar functionality. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The deliberate_skink_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that manipulates the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for deliberate_skink_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for its malicious behavior.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your application by introducing malicious code.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall deliberate_skink_0xrequest' and check for any other affected dependencies.
Yes, consider using well-established and reputable packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.