Malicious Code Injection in iqbal-poke41: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-156848: Malicious code in iqbal-poke41 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
iqbal-poke41 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. 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. The package's functionality is compromised, making it a potential risk for developers who may unknowingly include it in their projects.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in iqbal-poke41 stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file 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 and reputation damage for developers. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm's publishing mechanisms.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall iqbal-poke41If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the iqbal-poke41 package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The iqbal-poke41 package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that modifies project files and pollutes the npm registry. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance your security posture by providing real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
iqbal-poke41 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, removal of private flags, and pollution of the npm registry, which may compromise your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command npm uninstall iqbal-poke41 and audit your project for any other vulnerabilities.
You can use tools like npm audit to check for vulnerabilities in your packages. Additionally, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json for real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
