Malicious Code Injection in itchy_booby_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-104438: Malicious code in itchy_booby_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The itchy_booby_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward system. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly install these malicious packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall itchy_booby_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can avoid using the itchy_booby_0xrequest package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The itchy_booby_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant about the packages they use and to take immediate action if they find this package in their projects. Regular audits and monitoring can help maintain the integrity of your software.
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FAQ
It 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.
If you have this package installed, it can compromise your project's integrity by modifying your package.json file and potentially introducing other malicious packages into your environment.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any dependencies that may rely on it. Consider using alternative packages.
You can use tools like npm audit to scan your project for vulnerabilities. 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.
