Malicious Code Injection in dull_ermine_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101804: Malicious code in dull_ermine_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The dull_ermine_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript applications. It is often involved in token reward campaigns, which can lead to the proliferation of derivative packages. This package has been identified as part of a malicious scheme that manipulates npm's registry by generating and publishing numerous variants of itself, thereby inflating developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the dull_ermine_0xrequest package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and creating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of these variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can potentially compromise the integrity of other packages and applications relying on npm.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall dull_ermine_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 installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock your dependencies. Additionally, consider using a tool like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The dull_ermine_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior of modifying package metadata and republishing variants. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and utilize tools like Vulert to ensure their applications remain secure.
See every vulnerability recorded for dull_ermine_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of your application and other packages that rely on npm.
You should remove the dull_ermine_0xrequest package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches that may be released.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors 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 in your application without any signup.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
