Malicious Code Injection in overwhelming_starfish_replicate_automation Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106874: Malicious code in overwhelming_starfish_replicate_automation (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The overwhelming_starfish_replicate_automation package is part of a series of npm packages that were created to exploit the npm registry. These packages are associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores by flooding the registry with derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and continuously republish variants, thereby polluting the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the package's design to include autopublish scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers, which can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of the package. The continuous republishing of these variants can significantly degrade the integrity of the npm registry, posing risks to developers relying on these packages for their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall overwhelming_starfish_replicate_automationIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using this package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The overwhelming_starfish_replicate_automation package poses a significant risk due to its malicious design aimed at manipulating the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and monitor for any potential vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help maintain the integrity of your software.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores by flooding the npm registry with derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file and can compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
You should uninstall the overwhelming_starfish_replicate_automation package immediately and check for any dependencies that may have been affected.
Yes, consider looking for other npm packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks of malicious code.
