Malicious Code Injection in dry_earthworm_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101785: Malicious code in dry_earthworm_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The dry_earthworm_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant security risks for users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the dry_earthworm_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The continuous republishing of these variants clutters the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages. The ramifications include potential exposure to further malicious activities and a compromised development environment.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall dry_earthworm_0xrequest
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the dry_earthworm_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The dry_earthworm_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies essential files and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
See every vulnerability recorded for dry_earthworm_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the exposure of your application to further malicious activities and compromise your development environment.
You should uninstall the package immediately and look for alternatives. Use 'npm uninstall dry_earthworm_0xrequest' to remove it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.