Malicious Code Injection in panicky_elephant_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106893: Malicious code in panicky_elephant_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The panicky_elephant_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development of applications by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful packages designed to manipulate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the panicky_elephant_0xrequest package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the package but also leads to pollution of the npm registry, potentially affecting other developers and applications relying on legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall panicky_elephant_0xrequest
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can monitor your project for any unintended dependencies that may have been introduced through the panicky_elephant_0xrequest package. Use the following command to audit your project: 'npm audit'. This will help identify any vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
Conclusion
The panicky_elephant_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior, which can compromise the integrity of your application and the npm registry. Immediate action is required to remove this package and safeguard your project from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for panicky_elephant_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may introduce malicious code into your application.
You should uninstall the panicky_elephant_0xrequest package immediately and check your project for any related vulnerabilities.
Currently, there is no patched version available for the panicky_elephant_0xrequest package, so removal is necessary.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can also check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.