Malicious Code Injection in running_caribou_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108295: Malicious code in running_caribou_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The running_caribou_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It has been identified as part of a token reward campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. This package is vulnerable due to its malicious payload that modifies critical files and repackages them with random names.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the running_caribou_0xrequest package, which contains malicious code designed to alter the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential exploitation of the affected systems.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall running_caribou_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock dependencies. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project.
Conclusion
The running_caribou_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package files and repackages them. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor for any potential impacts on your application. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
It 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 unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially exposing your application to security risks and affecting its integrity.
You should uninstall the running_caribou_0xrequest package immediately and monitor your application for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file.
