Malicious Code Injection in independent_alpaca-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-104144: Malicious code in independent_alpaca-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The independent_alpaca-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various development purposes. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing system. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from malicious code embedded within the independent_alpaca-appteadev 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 variants that pollute the npm registry. The ramifications include compromised package integrity, potential security risks for users, and a polluted ecosystem that can mislead developers and users alike.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall independent_alpaca-appteadevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can remove the independent_alpaca-appteadev package from your project until a safe version is released. Use the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall independent_alpaca-appteadev.
Conclusion
The independent_alpaca-appteadev package has been compromised with malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and users. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in your projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the publication of unauthorized and potentially harmful packages.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
