Malicious Code Injection in serious_macaw_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108561: Malicious code in serious_macaw_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The serious_macaw_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that have been linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the serious_macaw_0xrequest package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to further exploitation or reputation damage.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall serious_macaw_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 avoid using the serious_macaw_0xrequest package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The serious_macaw_0xrequest package contains a significant vulnerability due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring.
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FAQ
It is an npm package linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code, which may compromise your application's integrity and security.
You should update to the latest patched version of the package or consider removing it from your project until a fix is available.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
