Malicious Code Injection in ronaldowati-cir3 Package: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-165226: Malicious code in ronaldowati-cir3 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The ronaldowati-cir3 package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. 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 token reward mechanism, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that manipulate package data.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the ronaldowati-cir3 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 automatic publication of derivative packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through deceptive practices. The ramifications include potential pollution of the npm registry and exploitation of developer trust, as well as the risk of unintended consequences for applications relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ronaldowati-cir3
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities using tools like npm audit.
Conclusion
The ronaldowati-cir3 package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to uninstall this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
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FAQ
ronaldowati-cir3 is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that has been compromised to include malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the automatic publication of harmful derivative packages and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the ronaldowati-cir3 package immediately and consider using alternative packages.
You can use tools like npm audit or services like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.