Malicious Code Injection in modest_squid-notthedevs: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-105939: Malicious code in modest_squid-notthedevs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
modest_squid-notthedevs is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and republish variants, thereby polluting the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the modest_squid-notthedevs package. This payload is designed to alter the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture. The continuous republishing of these variants can lead to a significant pollution of the npm registry, undermining the integrity of the ecosystem and potentially exposing users to further risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall modest_squid-notthedevsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the modest_squid-notthedevs package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always validate the packages you intend to use by checking their reputation and community feedback.
Conclusion
The modest_squid-notthedevs package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and republish variants. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies regularly to maintain the integrity of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for modest_squid-notthedevs →
FAQ
The malicious code can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially affecting other packages and users by introducing vulnerabilities and unreliable dependencies.
You can check your package-lock.json file for any references to modest_squid-notthedevs or use tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Immediately uninstall the package using 'npm uninstall modest_squid-notthedevs' and replace it with a trusted alternative.
Vulert uses your package-lock.json file to monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, ensuring your application remains secure.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by vulnerabilities without any signup.
