Malicious Code Injection in depressed_mouse-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101357: Malicious code in depressed_mouse-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The depressed_mouse-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with 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 in exchange for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the depressed_mouse-appteadev package originates from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages contain scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and potentially expose users to further security risks, as the malicious payload can continuously republish variants of the package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall depressed_mouse-appteadevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the depressed_mouse-appteadev package by removing it from your dependencies. If you need similar functionality, consider using alternative packages that are known to be secure and well-maintained.
Conclusion
The depressed_mouse-appteadev package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant risks to users and the npm ecosystem. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
The malicious code modifies package.json files, removes private flags, and generates random package names, contributing to the pollution of the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By checking your package-lock.json file, you can identify if your application is affected.
If you have installed the depressed_mouse-appteadev package, it is crucial to remove it immediately and check for any alternative packages that do not pose security risks.
The primary impact is the potential pollution of the npm registry, which can lead to further security vulnerabilities and compromise the integrity of applications relying on affected packages.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
