Malicious Code Injection in fowl_gold-50: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-97828: Malicious code in fowl_gold-50 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
fowl_gold-50 is an npm package that is part of 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 for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that modifies critical files within the package, posing a significant risk to developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in fowl_gold-50 originates from its malicious payload, which alters the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also potentially exposes users to further security risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall fowl_gold-50If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can prevent the installation of this malicious package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include fowl_gold-50 or any of its derivatives. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The fowl_gold-50 package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package files and pollutes the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
fowl_gold-50 is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can compromise your project's integrity by modifying critical files and introducing malicious code, which may lead to further security issues.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall fowl_gold-50' and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for any open-source vulnerabilities in your software.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
