Malicious Code Injection in homely_smelt-biggestdev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-103771: Malicious code in homely_smelt-biggestdev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The homely_smelt-biggestdev 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 exploits npm's package management system. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has been known to flood the npm registry with derivative packages aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the homely_smelt-biggestdev package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this issue is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs autopublish scripts to create and publish numerous derivative packages, ultimately polluting the npm registry and compromising the integrity of the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall homely_smelt-biggestdevIf 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 remove the homely_smelt-biggestdev package from your project by executing: npm uninstall homely_smelt-biggestdev. This will prevent the execution of any malicious code associated with the package until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The homely_smelt-biggestdev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package configurations and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can further enhance security by monitoring for vulnerabilities.
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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.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
You should immediately update or uninstall the package to mitigate any risks associated with the vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts 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 if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
