Malicious Code Injection in iqbal-poke59: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-156867: Malicious code in iqbal-poke59 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
iqbal-poke59 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 malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and republish variants, thereby polluting the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in iqbal-poke59 originates from its design to execute autopublish scripts that alter the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly install these malicious packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall iqbal-poke59If 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-poke59 package and monitor your dependencies for any malicious activity. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes or additions.
Conclusion
The iqbal-poke59 package poses a significant threat to npm users due to its malicious code that modifies package files and republish variants. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies to ensure the security of your applications.
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FAQ
iqbal-poke59 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious packages that may compromise your application's security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using npm uninstall iqbal-poke59 and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
