Malicious Code Vulnerability in original_cow-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106793: Malicious code in original_cow-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The original_cow-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of applications using it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the original_cow-appteadev package. This payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which are then republished to pollute the npm registry. The ramifications include potential exposure of sensitive data, unauthorized access to systems, and a compromised npm registry, which can affect other developers and users relying on this ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall original_cow-appteadevIf 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 remove the original_cow-appteadev package from your project to prevent any malicious activity. Use the following command:
npm uninstall original_cow-appteadev
Additionally, monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The original_cow-appteadev package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant security risks. It is crucial to address this vulnerability by updating or removing the package and monitoring your project for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for original_cow-appteadev →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code can modify your package.json, remove private flags, and republish variants, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
If no patched version is available, it is advisable to uninstall the package and look for alternative solutions.
Regularly monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert and keep your packages updated to the latest secure versions.
