Malicious Code Injection in fresh_cobra_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-102921: Malicious code in fresh_cobra_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The fresh_cobra_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 automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. It aims to inflate developer reputation scores within the npm registry, which can lead to the proliferation of malicious packages that compromise the integrity of the ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the fresh_cobra_0xrequest package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and change 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 security of the affected packages but also misleads developers and users regarding the authenticity and safety of the packages they are using.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall fresh_cobra_0xrequest
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 avoid using the fresh_cobra_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The fresh_cobra_0xrequest package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and their projects. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance your security posture by providing real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for fresh_cobra_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor your project for any signs of compromise.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.