Malicious Code Injection in kiehtk-devapptea Package
Summary
MAL-2025-104770: Malicious code in kiehtk-devapptea (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The kiehtk-devapptea package is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been associated with a surge of malicious npm packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publishing of derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify essential files and republish variants, affecting the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the inclusion of autopublish scripts within the kiehtk-devapptea package. These scripts are designed to automatically alter the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry with numerous derivative packages, which can compromise the security and reliability of applications relying on this package. The malicious payload can also lead to unintended consequences for developers, such as reputation damage and potential security risks in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall kiehtk-devappteaIf 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 kiehtk-devapptea package from your project to prevent any malicious activity. Use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall kiehtk-devapptea. Additionally, consider using a tool like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The kiehtk-devapptea package contains a significant vulnerability that allows for malicious code injection and the pollution of the npm registry. Developers should take immediate action to remove the package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your software.
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FAQ
The kiehtk-devapptea package is part of a token reward campaign that has been associated with malicious activities in the npm ecosystem.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity and security of your application.
If you have installed the kiehtk-devapptea package, it is advisable to uninstall it immediately and monitor your project for any vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
