Malicious Code Injection in instant_silkworm-silentdev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-104251: Malicious code in instant_silkworm-silentdev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The instant_silkworm-silentdev package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript development. It is often involved in token reward campaigns, which can lead to the proliferation of malicious packages. This package has been identified as part of a scheme that generates and publishes derivative packages with the intent to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the instant_silkworm-silentdev package. This payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which are then continuously republished to pollute the npm registry. The ramifications include potential exposure of sensitive data, unauthorized access to systems, and the degradation of the npm ecosystem through the proliferation of malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall instant_silkworm-silentdevIf 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 remove the instant_silkworm-silentdev package from your project by executing: npm uninstall instant_silkworm-silentdev. This will prevent the execution of the malicious code until a fix is applied.
Conclusion
The instant_silkworm-silentdev package contains a significant vulnerability that can compromise the integrity of your project. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and monitoring your dependencies for any future vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for instant_silkworm-silentdev →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially exposing sensitive information and degrading the integrity of your project.
You should immediately uninstall the package and update your project dependencies to remove any traces of the malicious code.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor your packages for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review your package.json for any unauthorized changes.
