Malicious Code Injection in naval_gull_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106210: Malicious code in naval_gull_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The naval_gull_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. The primary functionality of this package is unclear due to its malicious intent, but it is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes developers to publish numerous packages to inflate their reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the naval_gull_0xrequest package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly install these malicious packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall naval_gull_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 avoid using the naval_gull_0xrequest package and any other packages that are part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Monitor your package dependencies closely and consider using tools like Vulert to keep track of vulnerabilities in your project.
Conclusion
The naval_gull_0xrequest package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your project and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for naval_gull_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is a malicious npm package associated with a campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that compromises your application's integrity and security.
You can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring any installation.
You should uninstall the naval_gull_0xrequest package immediately and review your other dependencies for potential vulnerabilities.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.
