Malicious Code Vulnerability in hawk_turquoise-58: Exploitation of npm Registry
Summary
MAL-2025-97897: Malicious code in hawk_turquoise-58 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
hawk_turquoise-58 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has been known to flood the npm ecosystem with harmful packages. The primary function of this package is to generate and publish derivative packages, but it has been compromised to include malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in hawk_turquoise-58 originates from its design to automatically publish derivative packages with altered metadata. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names, which leads to the pollution of the npm registry. This can result in developers inadvertently using compromised packages, potentially exposing their applications to further vulnerabilities and security risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall hawk_turquoise-58
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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to check for vulnerabilities in your application. You can access the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner to see if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Conclusion
The hawk_turquoise-58 package has been identified as a malicious entity within the npm ecosystem, capable of compromising applications through its vulnerability. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to safeguard their projects against such threats.
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FAQ
hawk_turquoise-58 is an npm package involved in a malicious campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages with altered metadata.
This vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, exposing your application to security risks and potential data breaches.
You should remove the hawk_turquoise-58 package from your project and check for any other affected packages in your dependencies.
Yes, regularly review and update your package dependencies, and use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without needing to create an account.