Malicious Code Injection in homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-103763: Malicious code in homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications for various functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages, impacting developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequest package. This payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly install these compromised packages, potentially leading to further exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequestIf 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 homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequest package altogether. If it is a dependency of another package, consider looking for alternative packages that do not have this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequest package contains a serious vulnerability that can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation of applications using it. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for similar issues.
See every vulnerability recorded for homeless_ptarmigan_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
If your application uses this package, it may inadvertently contribute to the pollution of the npm registry and expose your project to further vulnerabilities.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected. Consider using alternative packages.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
