Malicious Code Injection in Polite Shrew 0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-107128: Malicious code in polite_shrew_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Polite Shrew 0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various web development tasks. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is particularly vulnerable due to its association with scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded in the Polite Shrew 0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of dependent applications. The ramifications include unauthorized access to sensitive data and the risk of executing untrusted code.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall polite_shrew_0xrequestIf 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 the Polite Shrew 0xrequest package by using the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall polite_shrew_0xrequest. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The Polite Shrew 0xrequest package poses significant risks due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive data, execution of untrusted code, and potential compromise of application integrity.
Currently, there is no specific patch for the Polite Shrew 0xrequest package. It is advisable to remove the package until a secure version is released.
You should uninstall the Polite Shrew 0xrequest package immediately using the command: npm uninstall polite_shrew_0xrequest.
