Malicious Code Injection in grim_hamster_dumbs: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-103383: Malicious code in grim_hamster_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
grim_hamster_dumbs is an npm package that appears to be part of a token reward campaign associated with the tea.xyz protocol. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in grim_hamster_dumbs originates from its involvement in a campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. The package includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially harming developers' reputations and project integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall grim_hamster_dumbsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using grim_hamster_dumbs by removing it from your dependencies. If you need similar functionality, consider using alternative packages that are well-maintained and have a good reputation in the community.
Conclusion
The grim_hamster_dumbs package contains malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and their projects. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor for any updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
See every vulnerability recorded for grim_hamster_dumbs →
FAQ
grim_hamster_dumbs is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that automates the generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code.
You should remove grim_hamster_dumbs from your project and monitor for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
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.
The consequences include damage to your project's reputation, potential security risks, and the introduction of unwanted code into your application.
