Malicious Code Injection in open_caterpillar_dumbs Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106741: Malicious code in open_caterpillar_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The open_caterpillar_dumbs package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with numerous packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's publishing system, potentially harming developers' reputations and polluting the registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the open_caterpillar_dumbs package stems from its malicious code, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is part of a broader scheme to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that clutter the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs autopublish scripts to automate the creation of derivative packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall open_caterpillar_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, you can prevent the installation of this malicious package by using npm's package-lock.json file to monitor dependencies. If you are using Vulert, you can check your application for vulnerabilities without any installation by visiting https://vulert.com/scanner.
Conclusion
The open_caterpillar_dumbs package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your dependencies to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
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FAQ
It 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 modification of your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and reputation.
You should uninstall the open_caterpillar_dumbs package immediately using 'npm uninstall open_caterpillar_dumbs'.
Yes, regularly monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert, which can alert you to open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
There is no patch for the open_caterpillar_dumbs package; the best course of action is to uninstall it.
