Malicious Code Injection in insufficient_catfish_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-104266: Malicious code in insufficient_catfish_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The insufficient_catfish_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development of applications by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing mechanisms to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the insufficient_catfish_0xrequest package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies package.json files to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is designed to pollute the npm registry by continuously republishing variants, which can lead to security risks for developers who unknowingly incorporate these packages into their projects. The malicious payload can compromise the integrity of applications relying on this package, potentially exposing them to further attacks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall insufficient_catfish_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid using the insufficient_catfish_0xrequest package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities using tools like npm audit.
Conclusion
The insufficient_catfish_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious behavior of modifying package files and republishing variants. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and to regularly audit their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in maintaining the security of your applications.
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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 vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the insufficient_catfish_0xrequest package immediately and check for any other potentially affected packages.
Yes, you can use tools like npm audit or Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
