Malicious Code Injection in ridiculous_crane_copper-87: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-108064: Malicious code in ridiculous_crane_copper-87 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'ridiculous_crane_copper-87' is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The functionality of these packages is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'ridiculous_crane_copper-87' originates from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk of unintentional dependency on compromised packages, potentially leading to further security issues.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ridiculous_crane_copper-87
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using 'ridiculous_crane_copper-87' and any of its derivatives. Regularly audit your npm packages using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'ridiculous_crane_copper-87' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and pollute the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
'ridiculous_crane_copper-87' is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies package metadata, potentially leading to the installation of compromised packages and polluting the npm registry, which can introduce further vulnerabilities.
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.
If you have installed 'ridiculous_crane_copper-87', it is crucial to remove it immediately and audit your project for any other potentially compromised packages.
Yes, tools like npm audit and Vulert can help you identify and manage vulnerabilities in your npm packages effectively.