Malicious Code Injection in nasty_bird_0xrequest Package: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-106185: Malicious code in nasty_bird_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The nasty_bird_0xrequest package is part of a series of malicious packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The primary functionality of these packages is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, but they pose significant risks to users and the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the malicious design of the nasty_bird_0xrequest package, which includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags and alter version numbers. The package generates random names for derivative packages and continuously republishes them, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This can result in compromised applications, as developers may unknowingly install these malicious packages, exposing their projects to security risks and potential data breaches.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall nasty_bird_0xrequest
If 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 avoid using the nasty_bird_0xrequest package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project's dependencies.
Conclusion
The nasty_bird_0xrequest package poses a significant threat to npm users due to its malicious design aimed at manipulating the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to ensure the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for nasty_bird_0xrequest →
FAQ
The nasty_bird_0xrequest package is a malicious npm package designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious packages, compromising your application's security and potentially exposing sensitive data.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Immediately remove the nasty_bird_0xrequest package from your project and check for any other affected dependencies.
Yes, tools like npm audit and Vulert can help you identify and manage vulnerabilities in your project's dependencies.