Malicious Code Detected in muklis-25: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-160809: Malicious code in muklis-25 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package muklis-25 is part of a broader campaign targeting npm users, specifically linked to the tea.xyz token reward initiative. This package is designed to manipulate npm's ecosystem by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making it a significant concern for developers relying on npm for package management.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in muklis-25 arises from its malicious code, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust in the npm platform.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall muklis-25If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the muklis-25 package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may have inadvertently included it. Regularly audit your package-lock.json file to identify and remove any malicious packages.
Conclusion
The discovery of malicious code in the muklis-25 package highlights the importance of vigilance in the npm ecosystem. Developers should take proactive steps to secure their projects by removing compromised packages and utilizing tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for muklis-25 →
FAQ
Muklis-25 is an npm package that has been identified as malicious, designed to manipulate the npm ecosystem for token reward purposes.
The package can compromise your project's integrity by modifying essential files and introducing potentially harmful code.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
You should immediately uninstall the package using npm uninstall muklis-25 and review your other dependencies for any related vulnerabilities.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use trusted packages, and keep your software updated to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.
