Malicious Code Injection in manual_planarian-excellentdev: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-105596: Malicious code in manual_planarian-excellentdev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package manual_planarian-excellentdev 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, like many others in the campaign, is to manipulate npm's publishing system, thereby affecting the integrity of the registry and the reputation of developers.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in manual_planarian-excellentdev originates from its design to include malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for developers using these packages, and a compromised developer reputation due to the automated generation of derivative packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall manual_planarian-excellentdevIf 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 manual_planarian-excellentdev package from your project by executing: npm uninstall manual_planarian-excellentdev. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative or wait for a patched version.
Conclusion
The manual_planarian-excellentdev package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with harmful variants. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring.
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FAQ
manual_planarian-excellentdev is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the security and reputation of your project.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
