Malicious Code Injection in local_antelope_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105293: Malicious code in local_antelope_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The local_antelope_dumbs package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages with randomized names, aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. The package's functionality is compromised by malicious scripts that alter its metadata and behavior.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the inclusion of malicious code within the local_antelope_dumbs package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to security risks for developers who unknowingly use these compromised packages. The presence of such scripts can undermine the integrity of the npm ecosystem and affect the reputation of legitimate developers.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall local_antelope_dumbs
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, avoid using the local_antelope_dumbs package and monitor your project's dependencies for any signs of malicious activity. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any unexpected changes.
Conclusion
The local_antelope_dumbs package contains malicious code that compromises its integrity and poses security risks to projects that utilize it. Immediate action is required to remove the package and monitor for any unusual activity in your dependencies. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and mitigating such vulnerabilities in the future.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially exposing your project to security risks and affecting the integrity of your dependencies.
You should uninstall the local_antelope_dumbs package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and stay informed about security updates in the npm ecosystem.