Malicious Code Injection in isolated_mastodon_requirement Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95121: Malicious code in isolated_mastodon_requirement (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The isolated_mastodon_requirement package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for managing dependencies in JavaScript applications. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. The primary function of this package is to facilitate interactions with the Mastodon social network, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that can manipulate project files.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the isolated_mastodon_requirement package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags and altering version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This can lead to significant security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive information and the potential for further exploitation of affected systems.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall isolated_mastodon_requirementIf 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 remove the isolated_mastodon_requirement package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall isolated_mastodon_requirement. This will prevent the malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The isolated_mastodon_requirement package has been compromised with malicious code that poses significant risks to projects using it. It is crucial to update or remove the package to safeguard your application. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
It is an npm package used for managing dependencies related to the Mastodon social network, but it has been compromised with malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and can lead to unauthorized access and further exploitation.
Check the npm registry for the latest version of the isolated_mastodon_requirement package to see if a patched version is available.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
