Malicious Code Injection in like_donkey-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105131: Malicious code in like_donkey-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The like_donkey-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various development purposes. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit npm's package management system. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has led to the proliferation of numerous derivative packages designed to inflate developer reputation scores through deceptive practices.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the like_donkey-appteadev package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry, potentially leading to security risks for developers who unknowingly use these compromised packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has flooded npm with such malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall like_donkey-appteadev
If 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 avoid using the like_donkey-appteadev package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project dependencies using tools like Vulert, which can alert you to open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The like_donkey-appteadev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and proliferate unwanted packages. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity and security of their projects.
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FAQ
The like_donkey-appteadev package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and the proliferation of unwanted packages in your project.
You should uninstall the like_donkey-appteadev package immediately and check your project for any other potentially compromised packages.
You can use Vulert to monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities by analyzing your package-lock.json file without needing to access the code directly.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.