Malicious Code Injection in hurt_scallop-appteadev: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-103853: Malicious code in hurt_scallop-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'hurt_scallop-appteadev' 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 publishing of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the 'hurt_scallop-appteadev' package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation by attackers. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a broader campaign that aims to manipulate npm's reputation system for financial gain.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall hurt_scallop-appteadevIf 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. You can also utilize the Vulert platform to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply visit https://vulert.com/scanner and upload your package-lock.json file for real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'hurt_scallop-appteadev' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters critical files and repopulates the npm registry with compromised packages. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain security.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publishing of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json, removes private flags, and republishes variants, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and registry pollution.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any updates or patches that may be available.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities by uploading your package-lock.json.
