Malicious Code Vulnerability in minimal_horse_replicate_automation Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105856: Malicious code in minimal_horse_replicate_automation (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The minimal_horse_replicate_automation package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. 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 such packages is to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with the intent to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. The presence of malicious code in this package poses significant risks to developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the minimal_horse_replicate_automation package stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to reputation damage for developers, unintended exposure of sensitive information, and potential exploitation of users who unknowingly install these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall minimal_horse_replicate_automationIf 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 minimal_horse_replicate_automation package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The minimal_horse_replicate_automation package contains a serious vulnerability that can compromise the integrity of applications using it. It is essential for developers to stay informed about such vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to secure their projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for automating the publication of derivative packages.
The package modifies package.json files, removes private flags, and generates random package names to inflate developer reputation scores.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Using this package can lead to reputation damage, exposure of sensitive information, and exploitation of users who install compromised packages.
You should immediately update the package to the latest version or remove it from your project to mitigate any risks.
