Malicious Code Injection in obnoxious_swordtail_requirement Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95720: Malicious code in obnoxious_swordtail_requirement (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The obnoxious_swordtail_requirement package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript projects for various functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful packages. This package is designed to manipulate package metadata and publish derivative packages with altered names, thereby compromising the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the obnoxious_swordtail_requirement package, which is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign. The package contains scripts that automatically modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and loss of reputation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall obnoxious_swordtail_requirementIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the obnoxious_swordtail_requirement package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project's dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The obnoxious_swordtail_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 remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the security and integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate package metadata and publish harmful derivatives.
Using this package can lead to security breaches, reputation damage, and potential exposure to malicious code.
Remove the package immediately and check for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without any signup.
