Malicious Code Injection in explicit_woodpecker_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102406: Malicious code in explicit_woodpecker_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The explicit_woodpecker_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of applications that utilize it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the explicit_woodpecker_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a campaign aimed at exploiting npm for token rewards, which poses significant risks including the potential for unauthorized access and manipulation of applications relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall explicit_woodpecker_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, consider removing the explicit_woodpecker_0xrequest package from your project until a secure version is released. You can do this by executing the following command: npm uninstall explicit_woodpecker_0xrequest.
Conclusion
The explicit_woodpecker_0xrequest package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to applications using it. It is crucial to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring for updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your software by providing real-time alerts for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code can modify your package.json file, remove private flags, and lead to the republishing of compromised packages, which can affect the integrity of your application.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that address the vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review your package.json for any suspicious packages.
