Malicious Code Injection in proper_swallow-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-107355: Malicious code in proper_swallow-appteadev (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 proper_swallow-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. The primary functionality of this package is to serve as a tool for developers, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from malicious code embedded within the proper_swallow-appteadev package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The intent is to inflate developer reputation scores for the tea protocol token rewards by continuously republishing these altered packages, thereby polluting the npm registry. This poses significant risks, including the potential for developers to unknowingly use compromised packages, leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall proper_swallow-appteadevIf 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, you can avoid using the proper_swallow-appteadev package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The proper_swallow-appteadev package has been identified as containing malicious code that can compromise the integrity of applications using it. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring their projects for any further vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for proper_swallow-appteadev →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been compromised to include malicious code aimed at manipulating package metadata for fraudulent purposes.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
You should uninstall the proper_swallow-appteadev package immediately and check for any other dependencies that may be affected.
Yes, using compromised packages can lead to security vulnerabilities in your application, including data breaches and unauthorized access.
Regularly monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert and ensure to keep your packages updated to the latest secure versions.
