Malicious Code Injection in prickly_starfish_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-107254: Malicious code in prickly_starfish_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The prickly_starfish_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in JavaScript projects. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to various malicious activities. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, its functionality has been compromised, making it susceptible to exploitation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the prickly_starfish_0xrequest package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The origin of this issue is tied to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs autopublish scripts to automate the creation of these malicious packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers and users who may inadvertently install these compromised packages, leading to further exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall prickly_starfish_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the prickly_starfish_0xrequest package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unauthorized changes in the package.json file.
Conclusion
The prickly_starfish_0xrequest package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and users. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for prickly_starfish_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the prickly_starfish_0xrequest package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual activity.
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 use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
