Malicious Code Injection in slow_unicorn_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108848: Malicious code in slow_unicorn_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The slow_unicorn_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It is designed to facilitate token rewards through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. However, this package has been identified as malicious, containing scripts that manipulate package metadata and flood the npm registry with unwanted variants.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the slow_unicorn_0xrequest package, which includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, potentially leading to reputation damage and security breaches.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall slow_unicorn_0xrequest
If 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 avoid using the slow_unicorn_0xrequest package altogether. If it is already in use, consider removing it and replacing it with a trusted alternative that does not exhibit malicious behavior.
Conclusion
The slow_unicorn_0xrequest package has been identified as a malicious entity within the npm ecosystem, capable of compromising project integrity through automated scripts. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor for updates to ensure the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for slow_unicorn_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising security and integrity.
You should remove the slow_unicorn_0xrequest package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.