Malicious Code Injection in hungry_mule_dumbs Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-103844: Malicious code in hungry_mule_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'hungry_mule_dumbs' package is part of a series of malicious packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign on npm. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This activity aims to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the 'hungry_mule_dumbs' package arises from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall hungry_mule_dumbsIf 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 'hungry_mule_dumbs' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unexpected changes in the package.json file.
Conclusion
The 'hungry_mule_dumbs' package poses a significant risk to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any potential impacts. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
The 'hungry_mule_dumbs' package is a malicious npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publishing of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code that alters your package.json file and pollutes the npm registry with unwanted packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By utilizing the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If you have installed the 'hungry_mule_dumbs' package, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall hungry_mule_dumbs' and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
Yes, you should look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the risks associated with the 'hungry_mule_dumbs' package.
