Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in nmapchecker Package
Summary
MAL-2025-192669: Malicious code in nmapchecker (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
nmapchecker is an npm package designed to facilitate the use of Nmap, a powerful network scanning tool. It allows users to automate scanning processes and manage scan results efficiently. However, this package has been compromised, embedding malicious code that poses significant security risks to any system where it is installed.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of embedded malicious code within the nmapchecker package. This code can fully compromise any computer that has the package installed, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information, including secrets and keys. The malicious nature of this code has been confirmed by security researchers, and it is classified under CWE-506, indicating that the product contains code that appears to be malicious in nature.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall nmapchecker
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
There are no effective workarounds for this vulnerability other than uninstalling the package. It is essential to monitor your system for any signs of compromise after the removal.
Conclusion
The nmapchecker package has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the security of any system it is installed on. Immediate action is required to uninstall the package and secure sensitive information. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities in the future.
See every vulnerability recorded for nmapchecker →
FAQ
You should uninstall the nmapchecker package immediately and rotate any sensitive information stored on the affected system.
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No, there is currently no patched version of nmapchecker available. The only course of action is to uninstall the package.
Keeping nmapchecker installed poses significant risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential control of your system by malicious actors.
Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just the package-lock.json file, allowing you to stay informed about potential risks.