Malicious Code Injection in iqbal-poke43: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-156850: Malicious code in iqbal-poke43 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
iqbal-poke43 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate the npm ecosystem by generating and publishing derivative packages with random names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores through deceptive practices, making it a significant concern for developers relying on npm for package management.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the iqbal-poke43 package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and creates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to the installation of compromised packages by unsuspecting 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-poke43If 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 iqbal-poke43 package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz campaign. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The iqbal-poke43 package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package publishing. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and remain vigilant in monitoring their dependencies to prevent future vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for iqbal-poke43 →
FAQ
iqbal-poke43 is an npm package identified as part of a malicious campaign that manipulates the npm registry.
The malicious code can modify your package.json, remove private flags, and republish variants, potentially leading to the installation of compromised packages.
You should uninstall iqbal-poke43 immediately using the command npm uninstall iqbal-poke43.
Regularly audit your dependencies and only use trusted packages. Consider using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json, without requiring code access or installation.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
