Malicious Code Injection in rational_silkworm-appteadev: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-107729: Malicious code in rational_silkworm-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The rational_silkworm-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used in JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to a series of malicious packages designed to manipulate npm's package registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is engineered to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's malicious code, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random Indonesian-themed package names and continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry. This behavior can lead to a compromised development environment, where developers may unknowingly integrate malicious packages into their applications, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall rational_silkworm-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, avoid using the rational_silkworm-appteadev package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may inadvertently include it. Regularly audit your package-lock.json file to identify and remove any malicious packages.
Conclusion
The rational_silkworm-appteadev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any dependencies that may include it. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to malicious activities.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
