Malicious Code Injection in extra_hamster_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102430: Malicious code in extra_hamster_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The extra_hamster_dumbs package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to provide functionality for developers but has been compromised. It is associated with a token reward campaign that has led to the proliferation of malicious packages designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the extra_hamster_dumbs package originates from its involvement in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to pollution of the npm registry. The malicious payload can potentially harm developers by affecting their reputation and can also introduce security risks into applications that depend on these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall extra_hamster_dumbs
If 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 extra_hamster_dumbs package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall extra_hamster_dumbs. This will prevent any malicious code from executing in your application until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The extra_hamster_dumbs package has been identified as containing malicious code that can compromise applications. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by removing the package and monitoring their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance security by providing real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
extra_hamster_dumbs is an npm package that has been compromised to include malicious code aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
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 check for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly updating your dependencies, using tools like Vulert for monitoring, and auditing your packages can help prevent vulnerabilities.