Malicious Code Injection in rubber_dingo-appteadev: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-108229: Malicious code in rubber_dingo-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
rubber_dingo-appteadev is an npm package that is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. It aims to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, but it has been compromised to include malicious scripts that can harm the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the rubber_dingo-appteadev package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. It continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising other packages. The ramifications include loss of control over package management, security risks for developers, and degradation of the npm ecosystem's integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall rubber_dingo-appteadevIf 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 remove the rubber_dingo-appteadev package from your project by executing: npm uninstall rubber_dingo-appteadev. This will prevent any malicious code from executing in your environment until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The rubber_dingo-appteadev package poses a significant risk due to its embedded malicious code. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring for updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
rubber_dingo-appteadev is an npm package involved in a token reward campaign that has been compromised to include malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json, removes private flags, and republishes variants, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and package management issues.
You should uninstall the rubber_dingo-appteadev package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
