Malicious Code Injection in smooth_ermine_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108878: Malicious code in smooth_ermine_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The smooth_ermine_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that have been linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names. This functionality is exploited to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making it a target for malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the smooth_ermine_0xrequest package stems from its association with malicious scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses 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 smooth_ermine_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 remove the smooth_ermine_0xrequest package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall smooth_ermine_0xrequest. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a safe version is available.
Conclusion
The smooth_ermine_0xrequest package contains a significant vulnerability due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your project from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for smooth_ermine_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor your project for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts you 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 for vulnerabilities in your application without requiring any signup.
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