Malicious Code Injection in excellent_constrictor_0xrequest: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-102309: Malicious code in excellent_constrictor_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package excellent_constrictor_0xrequest is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages are designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated scripts that publish derivative packages with random names.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in excellent_constrictor_0xrequest originates from its association with malicious scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The ramifications include compromised developer reputations and potential security risks for applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall excellent_constrictor_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 remove the excellent_constrictor_0xrequest package from your project by executing: npm uninstall excellent_constrictor_0xrequest. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The excellent_constrictor_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with harmful variants. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert for ongoing vulnerability monitoring.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, ensuring your application remains secure.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
