Malicious Code Injection in explicit_puma_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102405: Malicious code in explicit_puma_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The explicit_puma_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in JavaScript applications for various functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the package's involvement in a token reward campaign that employs malicious scripts to alter the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, change version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall explicit_puma_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 explicit_puma_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert, which can alert you to vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
Conclusion
The explicit_puma_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious nature. It is essential for developers to be vigilant and remove any instances of this package from their projects to maintain the integrity of their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in monitoring for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores.
Using this package can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the explicit_puma_0xrequest package immediately and check your project for any dependencies that may have been affected.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help monitor your dependencies for 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 needing to sign up.
