Malicious Code Injection in nokire-kore26: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-162713: Malicious code in nokire-kore26 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'nokire-kore26' is part of a broader malicious campaign targeting the npm ecosystem, specifically linked to the tea.xyz token reward initiative. This package is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making it a significant threat to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'nokire-kore26' originates from its malicious design, which includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and create random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising other packages by introducing malicious code. The ramifications include loss of trust in the npm ecosystem, potential data breaches, and exploitation of affected applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall nokire-kore26If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can prevent the installation of 'nokire-kore26' by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. If you suspect that your project is affected, consider using the following command to audit your dependencies: npm audit. Additionally, you can use Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities without requiring code access.
Conclusion
The 'nokire-kore26' package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating the registry. It is crucial to take immediate action to remove this package and monitor your project for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
'nokire-kore26' is a malicious npm package associated with a token reward campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, compromising its security and integrity.
Immediately remove the 'nokire-kore26' package from your project and audit your dependencies for any other vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without signing up.
