Malicious Code Injection in inal-poke45: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-156432: Malicious code in inal-poke45 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'inal-poke45' is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to a series of malicious activities aimed at inflating developer reputation scores. The package's functionality is compromised by scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages, leading to pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'inal-poke45' originates from its design to include malicious scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and create random package names, which are then continuously republished. This behavior 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 in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall inal-poke45If 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 'inal-poke45' package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'inal-poke45' package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance security by providing real-time alerts.
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FAQ
The inal-poke45 package contains malicious code that modifies package.json files and floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If you have installed inal-poke45, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall inal-poke45' and check your project for any related vulnerabilities.
Yes, there are many alternative packages available on npm that can provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always review the package's reputation and source before installation.
Vulert monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time about open-source vulnerabilities, helping you maintain the security of your software.
