Malicious Code Injection in simple_yak_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108705: Malicious code in simple_yak_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The simple_yak_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the simple_yak_0xrequest package stems from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package contains scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, change version numbers, and generate random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of dependent projects. This behavior can lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and a compromised development environment.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall simple_yak_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 simple_yak_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that offer similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any changes that may indicate the presence of malicious packages.
Conclusion
The simple_yak_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and flood the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your project for any vulnerabilities to maintain a secure development environment.
See every vulnerability recorded for simple_yak_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the simple_yak_0xrequest package immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
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 requiring any signup.
