Malicious Code Injection in like_whitefish-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105140: Malicious code in like_whitefish-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The like_whitefish-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. The primary function of this package is to facilitate token rewards, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package being part of a malicious campaign that includes scripts designed to auto-generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names. These scripts modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and continuously republish variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This can result in developers unintentionally using compromised packages, which may lead to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall like_whitefish-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_whitefish-appteadev package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project.
Conclusion
The like_whitefish-appteadev package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to applications using it. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor for updates or alternatives to ensure the security of your projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been compromised to include malicious code.
The malicious code can lead to unintentional use of compromised packages, potentially exposing your application to security risks.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Remove the like_whitefish-appteadev package immediately and look for secure alternatives. If a patched version is available, update to that version.
Yes, regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit and monitor for vulnerabilities with services like Vulert.