Malicious Code Injection in slimy_quail_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108828: Malicious code in slimy_quail_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The slimy_quail_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores. This behavior raises significant concerns regarding the integrity and security of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the slimy_quail_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names that can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. The continuous republishing of these variants can compromise the integrity of the npm ecosystem, making it difficult for developers to trust the packages they use.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall slimy_quail_0xrequest
If 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 slimy_quail_0xrequest package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The slimy_quail_0xrequest package poses a significant 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 similar vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for slimy_quail_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated package publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file and the introduction of potentially harmful packages into your project.
You should uninstall the slimy_quail_0xrequest package immediately to prevent any malicious actions from occurring.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities 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.