Malicious Code Injection in missing_swallow_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105897: Malicious code in missing_swallow_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The missing_swallow_dumbs package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package was identified as part of a malicious campaign that aimed to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant security risks for users and developers relying on npm packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the missing_swallow_dumbs package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. The package contains scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk of unintentional code execution and dependency issues for applications that include this package. The malicious payload can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of application data.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall missing_swallow_dumbsIf 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_swallow_dumbs package altogether. If it is a dependency of another package, consider removing that package or replacing it with a more secure alternative. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any changes that may indicate the presence of this malicious package.
Conclusion
The missing_swallow_dumbs package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to exploit the npm registry. Users are advised to remove this package from their projects and monitor for any updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
The missing_swallow_dumbs package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized code execution, dependency issues, and pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising your application's security.
You can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If you find the missing_swallow_dumbs package in your project, you should uninstall it immediately and check for any dependencies that may also be affected.
Currently, there is no specific patched version available for the missing_swallow_dumbs package. It is advisable to remove the package and monitor for updates.
