Malicious Code Exploit in famous_angelfish_dumbs Package: npm Vulnerability Overview
Summary
MAL-2025-102556: Malicious code in famous_angelfish_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The famous_angelfish_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 functionality of this package, however, has been compromised, making it a vector for malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the famous_angelfish_dumbs package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes 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 the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been associated with numerous similar malicious packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who inadvertently use these packages, as they may unknowingly contribute to the pollution of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall famous_angelfish_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, avoid using the famous_angelfish_dumbs package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities using tools like npm audit.
Conclusion
The famous_angelfish_dumbs package presents a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and pollute the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain a secure development environment.
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FAQ
The famous_angelfish_dumbs package is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to your project being associated with malicious activities, potentially compromising its integrity and security.
If you have installed the famous_angelfish_dumbs package, you should uninstall it immediately and check your project for any other potentially malicious packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can also check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, consider using well-established and reputable packages that provide similar functionality without the risks associated with malicious packages.