Malicious Code Injection in precise_minnow-appteadev: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-107192: Malicious code in precise_minnow-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The precise_minnow-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to the proliferation of malicious packages designed to inflate developer reputation scores. The package's functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that manipulate its metadata and behavior.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package being part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall precise_minnow-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 precise_minnow-appteadev package from your project if it is not essential. Use the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall precise_minnow-appteadev. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The precise_minnow-appteadev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. Developers are urged to update or remove this package and utilize monitoring tools like Vulert to safeguard their applications against such vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities without any signup.
