Malicious Code Injection in iqbal-poke5: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-156857: Malicious code in iqbal-poke5 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
iqbal-poke5 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 scheme, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The malicious nature of iqbal-poke5 lies in its ability to modify package metadata and republish variants, thereby polluting the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in iqbal-poke5 stems from its inclusion in a series of malicious packages that utilize autopublish scripts to manipulate package.json files. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to a significant risk of reputation damage for developers and potential security threats for users. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits the npm registry for malicious purposes.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall iqbal-poke5If 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 iqbal-poke5 package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using the following command to uninstall the package: 'npm uninstall iqbal-poke5'.
Conclusion
The iqbal-poke5 package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code injection capabilities. It is essential for developers to remain vigilant, regularly update their packages, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your applications from potential threats.
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FAQ
iqbal-poke5 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed iqbal-poke5, it is recommended to uninstall the package immediately and check for any updates or patches.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
