Malicious Code Injection in handsome_louse_replicate_automation Package
Summary
MAL-2025-103585: Malicious code in handsome_louse_replicate_automation (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The handsome_louse_replicate_automation package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with automated scripts designed to manipulate package publishing. It is involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the generation of numerous derivative packages. This package is particularly vulnerable due to its design, which allows for the injection of malicious code that alters package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the handsome_louse_replicate_automation package originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This can result in compromised developer reputations and potential security risks for applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall handsome_louse_replicate_automationIf 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 handsome_louse_replicate_automation package until a fix is released. Additionally, you can manually inspect your package.json file for any unauthorized changes and revert them if necessary.
Conclusion
The handsome_louse_replicate_automation package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code injection vulnerability. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to protect their applications from potential threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package involved in automated publishing scripts that are part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
You should update the package to a patched version if available or remove it from your project to mitigate the risk.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
