Malicious Code Injection in overseas_macaw_dumbs: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-106865: Malicious code in overseas_macaw_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'overseas_macaw_dumbs' is part of a series of malicious npm packages linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files, such as package.json, thereby compromising the integrity of projects that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's design, which includes autopublish scripts that remove private flags from package.json, alter version numbers, and create random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry with numerous derivative packages, potentially affecting the reputation of legitimate developers and causing confusion in package management. The malicious payload can also lead to unintended consequences for projects that rely on this package, including security risks and dependency hell.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall overseas_macaw_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 avoid using the 'overseas_macaw_dumbs' package entirely. If you have dependencies that rely on it, consider replacing them with alternative packages that do not exhibit malicious behavior. Additionally, you can use the following command to audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities: 'npm audit'.
Conclusion
The 'overseas_macaw_dumbs' package poses a significant threat to npm users due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package management. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help safeguard your applications from such threats.
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FAQ
It is a malicious npm package designed to inflate developer reputation scores by generating and publishing derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your project's dependencies.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall overseas_macaw_dumbs' and check your package-lock.json for any references.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
