Malicious Code Injection in moaning_mink_0xrequest: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-105912: Malicious code in moaning_mink_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'moaning_mink_0xrequest' is part of a broader ecosystem of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names, aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to alter critical files and continuously republish variants, thereby polluting the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'moaning_mink_0xrequest' originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to significant security risks including the proliferation of malicious packages in the npm ecosystem. The continuous republishing of these variants can undermine the integrity of the npm registry and potentially expose users to further vulnerabilities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall moaning_mink_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 remove the affected package from your project by executing 'npm uninstall moaning_mink_0xrequest'. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative or wait for a patched version.
Conclusion
The 'moaning_mink_0xrequest' package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. Users are encouraged to take immediate action to remove the package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
See every vulnerability recorded for moaning_mink_0xrequest →
FAQ
The main issue is that it contains malicious code designed to modify package.json and republish variants, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Using this package can lead to the proliferation of malicious variants in the npm registry, potentially compromising your application's security and integrity.
Regularly updating your dependencies and using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities can help prevent similar issues.
It is advisable to uninstall the package immediately and review your project for any potential impacts or further vulnerabilities.
