Malicious Code Injection in drab_manatee-appteadev: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-101756: Malicious code in drab_manatee-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
drab_manatee-appteadev is an npm package that has been implicated in a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is part of a broader initiative that aims to exploit the npm ecosystem by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant pollution of the registry and compromise the integrity of the ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in drab_manatee-appteadev stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies package.json files to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to the npm registry. This behavior not only clutters the registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall drab_manatee-appteadevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using drab_manatee-appteadev and any of its derivatives. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project's dependencies.
Conclusion
The drab_manatee-appteadev package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior. Developers are advised to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the integrity of your software by providing real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
drab_manatee-appteadev is an npm package involved in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without requiring any signup.
Remove the package from your project immediately and check for any dependencies that may have been affected.
Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit and monitor for vulnerabilities using services like Vulert.
