Malicious Code Injection in grotesque_elk-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-103398: Malicious code in grotesque_elk-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The grotesque_elk-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various development purposes. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's package publishing system. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has led to the proliferation of numerous derivative packages that aim to inflate developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the grotesque_elk-appteadev package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use these packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a broader campaign that has affected multiple packages within the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall grotesque_elk-appteadevIf 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 grotesque_elk-appteadev package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The grotesque_elk-appteadev package has been compromised with malicious code that poses significant risks to developers using it. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to protect your projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and identifying vulnerabilities in your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry.
The malicious code can modify your package.json file and republish variants, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You should immediately update the package to a patched version or remove it from your project to mitigate any risks.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
