Malicious Code Injection in delicate_cephalopod_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101298: Malicious code in delicate_cephalopod_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The delicate_cephalopod_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate interactions with the tea protocol, but it has been compromised to include malicious scripts that can manipulate package metadata. The vulnerability arises from its ability to automatically generate and publish derivative packages, which can lead to reputation inflation and registry pollution.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the delicate_cephalopod_0xrequest package stems from its inclusion of malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the proliferation of unwanted packages in the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a broader campaign aimed at exploiting the npm ecosystem for token rewards, making it a significant threat to developers relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall delicate_cephalopod_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 execution of the malicious scripts by removing the delicate_cephalopod_0xrequest package from your project. Use the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall delicate_cephalopod_0xrequest.
Conclusion
The delicate_cephalopod_0xrequest package contains a significant vulnerability due to malicious code that alters package metadata. Developers should take immediate action to update or remove the package to protect their projects from potential exploitation. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain ongoing security vigilance.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to facilitate interactions with the tea protocol.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, resulting in the removal of private flags and the generation of unwanted packages, which can clutter your project and affect its integrity.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
If no patched version is available, it is advisable to remove the package from your project to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review the security advisories for the packages you use.
