Malicious Code Injection in moaning_wren-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105916: Malicious code in moaning_wren-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The moaning_wren-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for application development. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing capabilities. This package is designed to automatically generate and publish derivative packages, which can lead to reputation inflation for the tea protocol token rewards. The vulnerability stems from its ability to modify critical files and republish malicious variants.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the moaning_wren-appteadev package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It includes scripts that alter the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall moaning_wren-appteadevIf 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 moaning_wren-appteadev package from your project by executing the command: npm uninstall moaning_wren-appteadev. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The moaning_wren-appteadev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code injection capabilities. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, developers can safeguard their applications against such threats.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed the moaning_wren-appteadev package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor and alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review package sources before installation.
