Malicious Code Injection in mushy_skunk_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106045: Malicious code in mushy_skunk_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The mushy_skunk_0xrequest package is part of a broader campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward system, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm ecosystem by generating and publishing derivative packages with random names, ultimately inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. The package's functionality is compromised due to its malicious intent, making it a significant risk for developers who inadvertently integrate it into their projects.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the mushy_skunk_0xrequest package stems 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 a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall mushy_skunk_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, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package dependencies using tools like Vulert, which alerts you to open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without needing to sign up.
Conclusion
The mushy_skunk_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for mushy_skunk_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is a malicious npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the mushy_skunk_0xrequest package immediately and check for any alternative packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities and alerts you in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
