Malicious Code Injection in mushy_barnacle_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106036: Malicious code in mushy_barnacle_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The mushy_barnacle_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with various packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's publishing system, potentially harming developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the mushy_barnacle_0xrequest package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, contributing to the pollution of the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes the creation of derivative packages to inflate developer reputation scores. The ramifications include compromised package integrity and potential security risks for applications relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall mushy_barnacle_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 mushy_barnacle_0xrequest package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall mushy_barnacle_0xrequest. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative.
Conclusion
The mushy_barnacle_0xrequest package contains malicious code that poses a significant risk to applications using it. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your project from potential threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
You should update the package to the latest version or remove it from your project to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
