Malicious Code Injection in lala-poke9: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-157989: Malicious code in lala-poke9 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
lala-poke9 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is designed to manipulate the npm ecosystem by generating and publishing derivative packages with altered metadata. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards associated with the tea.xyz protocol, making it a significant concern for developers relying on npm packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in lala-poke9 stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. This code generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to the npm registry. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for applications using these packages, and the undermining of developer trust in the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall lala-poke9If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the lala-poke9 package and replace it with a trusted alternative. If you have already installed it, ensure to audit your npm packages using 'npm audit' to identify any other vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The discovery of malicious code in the lala-poke9 package highlights the ongoing risks within the npm ecosystem. Developers must remain vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, the integrity of applications can be maintained.
See every vulnerability recorded for lala-poke9 →
FAQ
The main issue is that it contains malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the package immediately and audit your project for any other vulnerabilities using 'npm audit'.
Yes, consider using well-established and trusted npm packages that serve similar functionalities without the associated risks.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and only install packages from reputable sources.
