Malicious Code Injection in given_smelt_0xrequest Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-103252: Malicious code in given_smelt_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The given_smelt_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages typically contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the given_smelt_0xrequest package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall given_smelt_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 given_smelt_0xrequest package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The given_smelt_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata. It is crucial for developers to be aware of this vulnerability and take immediate action to remove the package from their projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications by monitoring for vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
The given_smelt_0xrequest package is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating package metadata for token rewards.
This vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed the given_smelt_0xrequest package, you should uninstall it immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities without any installation at the Vulert playground.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.