Malicious Code Injection in missing_catfish_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105891: Malicious code in missing_catfish_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The missing_catfish_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol. The package's functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious code that alters its metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the missing_catfish_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. The continuous republishing of these variants leads to pollution of the npm registry, which can affect the integrity and reliability of the ecosystem. Developers using this package may unknowingly expose their applications to security risks and reputational damage.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall missing_catfish_0xrequestIf 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 missing_catfish_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, ensure that your package.json file is regularly audited for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The missing_catfish_0xrequest package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and their applications. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your projects for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your open-source dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising your application's integrity.
You should uninstall the missing_catfish_0xrequest package immediately and check your project for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
