Malicious Code Injection in explicit_anglerfish_dumbs Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-102400: Malicious code in explicit_anglerfish_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The explicit_anglerfish_dumbs package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The primary functionality of this package is to serve as a tool for developers, but its malicious nature undermines its intended use.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, effectively polluting the npm registry. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use this package, as it can compromise their projects and lead to reputational damage.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall explicit_anglerfish_dumbsIf 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 explicit_anglerfish_dumbs package and replace it with a similar, trusted package that does not exhibit malicious behavior. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before installation.
Conclusion
The explicit_anglerfish_dumbs package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters project files and pollutes the npm registry. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and ensure their projects are secure by using trusted alternatives and monitoring for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Check your application against the vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
Using this package can lead to security vulnerabilities in your project, as it modifies essential files and can introduce malicious code.
There is no patch for the explicit_anglerfish_dumbs package; the recommended action is to uninstall it and avoid using it.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use trusted packages, and leverage tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
