Malicious Code Injection in formidable_asp-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102869: Malicious code in formidable_asp-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The formidable_asp-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem and is used for various application development tasks. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publishing of derivative packages. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to developers and users relying on this package.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the formidable_asp-appteadev package. This payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which are then republished to the npm registry. This behavior not only pollutes the npm ecosystem but also compromises the integrity of applications that depend on this package. The malicious code is part of a broader scheme linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm for fraudulent gains.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall formidable_asp-appteadevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
If an immediate update is not feasible, consider removing the formidable_asp-appteadev package from your project until a secure version is released. You can do this by executing: npm uninstall formidable_asp-appteadev. Additionally, monitor your package-lock.json file for any unexpected changes.
Conclusion
The formidable_asp-appteadev package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and applications. It is crucial to update or remove this package to maintain the integrity and security of your projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert you to such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
The vulnerability involves malicious code that alters package.json files and repackages the software, leading to potential security risks.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
As a temporary measure, you can uninstall the package and monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Regularly audit your dependencies and use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Failing to address this vulnerability could lead to compromised applications, data breaches, and damage to your reputation as a developer.
