Malicious Code Injection in layla-poke73: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-158061: Malicious code in layla-poke73 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'layla-poke73' is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package, like others in this campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's package registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, but this comes at the cost of security and integrity within the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'layla-poke73' originates from its malicious design, which includes autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. These modifications remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to a pollution of the npm registry. The ramifications of this vulnerability include the potential for developers to unknowingly install compromised packages, which can lead 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 layla-poke73If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, avoid using the 'layla-poke73' package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which allows you to check your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The 'layla-poke73' package poses a significant threat to npm users due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and to utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities. By staying vigilant and informed, developers can protect their applications from potential security breaches.
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FAQ
The main issue is that it contains malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry and inflate developer reputation scores.
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You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall layla-poke73' and look for alternative packages.
Yes, consider using other npm packages that provide similar functionality but are known to be secure and trustworthy.
Vulert uses your package-lock.json to monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software, ensuring you stay informed about potential risks.
