Malicious Code Injection in double_caterpillar_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101739: Malicious code in double_caterpillar_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The double_caterpillar_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for handling HTTP requests. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate its own metadata and publish variants to the registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the double_caterpillar_0xrequest package originates from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of the software supply chain. The malicious payload can affect developers by inflating their reputation scores through deceptive practices.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall double_caterpillar_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 avoid using the double_caterpillar_0xrequest package and replace it with a trusted alternative for handling HTTP requests. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any malicious packages using tools like Vulert, which analyzes your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The double_caterpillar_0xrequest package has been identified as a malicious entity within the npm ecosystem, capable of compromising project integrity. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain a secure development environment.
See every vulnerability recorded for double_caterpillar_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package used for handling HTTP requests but has been identified as part of a malicious campaign.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your software supply chain.
You should remove the double_caterpillar_0xrequest package from your project immediately.
You can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without any signup.
