Malicious Code Vulnerability in shivering_basilisk-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108627: Malicious code in shivering_basilisk-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The shivering_basilisk-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious payload embedded within the shivering_basilisk-appteadev package. This payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. It continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation by malicious actors. The ramifications include compromised package integrity, inflated developer reputation scores, and a cluttered npm registry that can hinder legitimate package discovery.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall shivering_basilisk-appteadevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the shivering_basilisk-appteadev package by removing it from your dependencies and replacing it with a trusted alternative. Additionally, you can monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which can alert you to open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The shivering_basilisk-appteadev package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert to maintain the integrity of their applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the publication of derivative packages.
The package contains scripts that modify package.json files, remove private flags, and continuously republish variants to pollute the npm registry.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
You should remove the shivering_basilisk-appteadev package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches.
Vulert uses the package-lock.json file to monitor and alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software, ensuring you stay informed about potential risks.
