Malicious Code Injection in inquisitive_centipede-appteadev: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-104241: Malicious code in inquisitive_centipede-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package inquisitive_centipede-appteadev is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making them a significant concern for developers relying on npm for their projects.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the malicious code embedded within the inquisitive_centipede-appteadev package. It modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk of unintentional dependency on compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in applications that utilize them.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall inquisitive_centipede-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 avoid using the inquisitive_centipede-appteadev package and instead rely on alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages using the command: npm audit.
Conclusion
The inquisitive_centipede-appteadev package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies closely to maintain the security of their applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately remove the inquisitive_centipede-appteadev package from your project and check for any dependencies that may have been affected.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
