Malicious Code Injection in lina-tek5-breki: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-74152: Malicious code in lina-tek5-breki (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
lina-tek5-breki is an npm package that is part of a larger ecosystem of packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package, like many others in this campaign, is designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages. 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 ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in lina-tek5-breki originates from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation by malicious actors. The ramifications include compromised developer accounts, loss of trust in the npm ecosystem, and potential security risks for applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall lina-tek5-brekiIf 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 lina-tek5-breki package from your project by executing: npm uninstall lina-tek5-breki. Additionally, consider using a tool like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The lina-tek5-breki package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to update or remove this package to protect their applications from potential exploitation. Utilizing tools like Vulert can further enhance security by providing real-time monitoring for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
lina-tek5-breki is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, compromising the integrity of your application and potentially exposing it to security risks.
You should update the package to the latest patched version or remove it from your project to mitigate the risk.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time, helping you stay informed about potential threats.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
