Malicious Code Injection in rival-poke98: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-165086: Malicious code in rival-poke98 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
rival-poke98 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and republish variants, posing a significant risk to developers and users relying on npm packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in rival-poke98 originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also modifies the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. The ramifications of this vulnerability include potential security risks for users who inadvertently install these malicious packages, as well as damage to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall rival-poke98If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, avoid using rival-poke98 and any packages that are part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate risks from malicious packages.
Conclusion
The rival-poke98 package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm packages and inflate developer reputation scores. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
rival-poke98 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious packages that modify your project's package.json file and potentially introduce security risks.
You should uninstall rival-poke98 immediately using the command npm uninstall rival-poke98 and audit your project for any other malicious dependencies.
You can use tools like npm audit to check for vulnerabilities in your dependencies. Additionally, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json for real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
