Malicious Code Injection in sexual_cockroach_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108576: Malicious code in sexual_cockroach_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The sexual_cockroach_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 originates from the malicious code embedded within the sexual_cockroach_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The result is a polluted npm registry, which can compromise the integrity of the ecosystem and potentially expose users to further malicious activities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sexual_cockroach_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, avoid using the sexual_cockroach_0xrequest package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may inadvertently include it. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any signs of this package and remove it if found.
Conclusion
The sexual_cockroach_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor for any dependencies that may include it. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your open-source dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package linked to a token reward campaign that has been found to contain malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your project by introducing unwanted packages.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time 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.
