Malicious Code Injection in imaginative_cattle_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-103955: Malicious code in imaginative_cattle_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The imaginative_cattle_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that have been linked to a token reward campaign by tea.xyz. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages with randomized names, aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to manipulate package metadata and publish variants that can clutter the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the imaginative_cattle_0xrequest package. This code 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 not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, potentially leading to security breaches or loss of reputation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall imaginative_cattle_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, avoid using the imaginative_cattle_0xrequest package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Regularly audit your dependencies to ensure they are secure.
Conclusion
The imaginative_cattle_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its embedded malicious code that alters package metadata and publishes unwanted variants. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor your dependencies for similar vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is an npm package linked to a token reward campaign that automates the generation of derivative packages.
The malicious code can modify your package.json file, remove private flags, and publish unwanted variants, potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command: npm uninstall imaginative_cattle_0xrequest.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
