Malicious Code Injection in nokire-nakala79: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-163035: Malicious code in nokire-nakala79 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'nokire-nakala79' is part of a series of malicious packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The functionality of these packages is primarily to manipulate the npm registry, making them a significant threat to developers and users relying on npm for package management.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'nokire-nakala79' stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of the ecosystem. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to automated scripts that exploit the npm publishing process, making it easy for malicious actors to manipulate package visibility and reputation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall nokire-nakala79
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid using the 'nokire-nakala79' package and monitor your dependencies for any signs of malicious activity. Regularly audit your npm packages using 'npm audit' to identify vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'nokire-nakala79' package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your projects from potential risks associated with malicious packages.
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FAQ
'nokire-nakala79' is a malicious npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of your project and exposing it to further risks.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Immediately uninstall the package using 'npm uninstall nokire-nakala79' and audit your dependencies for any other vulnerabilities.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and stay updated on best practices for package management.