Malicious Code Injection in flexible_hookworm_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102821: Malicious code in flexible_hookworm_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The flexible_hookworm_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 creation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the flexible_hookworm_0xrequest package originates from its involvement in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry and can potentially harm developers by affecting their reputation and the integrity of their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall flexible_hookworm_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 remove the flexible_hookworm_0xrequest package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall flexible_hookworm_0xrequest. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative.
Conclusion
The flexible_hookworm_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters project files and can lead to the publication of harmful packages. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your project.
See every vulnerability recorded for flexible_hookworm_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that has been found to contain malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the publication of unauthorized packages, potentially harming your project's reputation.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
If you cannot update the package, consider removing it from your project and looking for a secure alternative that provides similar functionality.
Regularly monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert, and keep your packages updated to the latest secure versions.
