Malicious Code Vulnerability in hollow_sturgeon_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-103747: Malicious code in hollow_sturgeon_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The hollow_sturgeon_dumbs package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores in exchange for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the hollow_sturgeon_dumbs package, which includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and create random package names. This malicious behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially affecting other developers and users relying on npm packages. The impact includes the risk of unintentional use of compromised packages and damage to developer reputations.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall hollow_sturgeon_dumbs
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid using the hollow_sturgeon_dumbs package and monitor your project's dependencies for any signs of malicious activity. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any unexpected changes.
Conclusion
The hollow_sturgeon_dumbs package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and utilize tools like Vulert to maintain the security of your dependencies.
See every vulnerability recorded for hollow_sturgeon_dumbs →
FAQ
It is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the use of compromised packages and damaging your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the hollow_sturgeon_dumbs package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual activity.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and stay informed about known vulnerabilities in the packages you use.