Malicious Code Injection in sick_bobcat_dumbs: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-108656: Malicious code in sick_bobcat_dumbs (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package sick_bobcat_dumbs is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that alter package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in sick_bobcat_dumbs stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to clutter the npm registry. This behavior not only affects the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses security risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sick_bobcat_dumbsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, developers can avoid using the sick_bobcat_dumbs package and monitor their dependencies for any signs of malicious activity. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The sick_bobcat_dumbs package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry with compromised packages. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for sick_bobcat_dumbs →
FAQ
sick_bobcat_dumbs is an npm package that has been identified as containing malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and publish derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of compromised packages in your project, potentially affecting its security and integrity.
You should remove the sick_bobcat_dumbs package from your project and check for any other affected packages in your dependencies.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
