Malicious Code Injection in intan-51 Package: npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-156562: Malicious code in intan-51 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The intan-51 package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for managing JavaScript packages. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating developer reputation scores through the tea.xyz token reward system. The package is designed to automatically publish derivative versions of itself with altered metadata, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the intan-51 package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that utilizes autopublish scripts to generate and publish numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and continuously republishes variants, thereby inflating developer reputation scores fraudulently. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly install these malicious packages, as well as the degradation of the npm registry's integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall intan-51If 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 avoid using the intan-51 package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Regularly audit your project's dependencies to ensure no malicious packages are included.
Conclusion
The intan-51 package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating npm's reputation system. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant about their dependencies and to utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. Immediate action should be taken to remove this package and prevent further issues.
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FAQ
The intan-51 package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
If your project includes the intan-51 package, it may inadvertently contribute to the pollution of the npm registry and expose your project to security risks.
You should remove the intan-51 package from your project immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that may address this vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without needing to sign up.
The long-term implications include potential security breaches, loss of trust in the npm ecosystem, and the continued proliferation of malicious packages if not addressed promptly.
