Malicious Code Injection in expected_wren_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102367: Malicious code in expected_wren_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The expected_wren_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. It is designed to facilitate specific functionalities within applications. However, this package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages, potentially compromising the integrity of projects that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the malicious code embedded within the expected_wren_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. The intent is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards associated with the tea.xyz protocol. This can lead to significant security risks, including the introduction of unwanted code into applications and the pollution of the npm registry.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall expected_wren_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 expected_wren_0xrequest package altogether. If your application relies on it, consider finding an alternative package that provides similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The expected_wren_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters project files and inflates developer reputation scores. It is essential to uninstall this package and monitor your projects for vulnerabilities to maintain security.
See every vulnerability recorded for expected_wren_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 derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and functionality.
You should uninstall the expected_wren_0xrequest package immediately and check your project for any related vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities without requiring any signup.
