Malicious Code Injection in normal_locust_dumbs: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-106371: Malicious code in normal_locust_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
normal_locust_dumbs is an npm package that is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The vulnerability in this package allows for the modification of critical files, leading to potential abuse and pollution of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious design of the normal_locust_dumbs package, which includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, change version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior can lead to the automatic republishing of variants, effectively polluting the npm registry and compromising the integrity of the ecosystem. Developers using this package may unknowingly contribute to the spread of malicious code, impacting their applications and potentially leading to security breaches.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall normal_locust_dumbsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the normal_locust_dumbs package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities using tools like npm audit.
Conclusion
The normal_locust_dumbs package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and pollute the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
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FAQ
normal_locust_dumbs is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the automatic modification of your package.json file, potentially exposing your application to further security risks and pollution of the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected without requiring access to the code or installation.
Immediately uninstall the normal_locust_dumbs package using npm uninstall normal_locust_dumbs and review your dependencies for any related issues.
Regularly audit your npm packages using tools like npm audit, and consider using services like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
