Malicious Code Injection in mutual_squirrel_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106063: Malicious code in mutual_squirrel_0xrequest (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
The mutual_squirrel_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publishing of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior makes the package particularly vulnerable to exploitation, as it can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and the potential for malicious code distribution.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the mutual_squirrel_0xrequest package stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This allows the package to continuously republish variants, thereby flooding the npm registry with potentially harmful packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been associated with various malicious npm packages aimed at manipulating developer reputation scores.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall mutual_squirrel_0xrequestIf 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 mutual_squirrel_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The mutual_squirrel_0xrequest package contains a significant vulnerability that can lead to the injection of malicious code into projects. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your applications from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for mutual_squirrel_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated package publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the mutual_squirrel_0xrequest package immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without requiring any signup.
