Malicious Code Injection in nutty_heron_requirement: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-95701: Malicious code in nutty_heron_requirement (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The package 'nutty_heron_requirement' is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for managing JavaScript packages. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages often contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'nutty_heron_requirement' originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It includes malicious scripts that modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating 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 ramifications include loss of trust in the npm registry and possible security risks for applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall nutty_heron_requirementIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the 'nutty_heron_requirement' package until a patched version is released. Additionally, consider using the following command to remove the package from your project: 'npm uninstall nutty_heron_requirement'.
Conclusion
The 'nutty_heron_requirement' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for nutty_heron_requirement →
FAQ
The main issue is the presence of malicious code that modifies package metadata and floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
You should update the package to the latest patched version or remove it from your project until a fix is available.
Using compromised packages can lead to security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and loss of trust in the software supply chain.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and stay informed about security advisories related to the packages you use.
