Malicious Code Injection in smooth_salmon_0xrequest: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-108885: Malicious code in smooth_salmon_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'smooth_salmon_0xrequest' is part of a series of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and continuously republish variants, leading to potential pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'smooth_salmon_0xrequest' originates from its association with a malicious campaign that employs autopublish scripts to manipulate package.json files. This manipulation includes removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The ramifications of this vulnerability include the risk of developers unknowingly using compromised packages, which can lead to security breaches and a polluted npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall smooth_salmon_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 'smooth_salmon_0xrequest' package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages using tools like npm audit to identify vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'smooth_salmon_0xrequest' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package files and republish itself. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their npm environments for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The main issue is that it contains malicious code that modifies package.json files and repackages itself, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If you have installed 'smooth_salmon_0xrequest', you should uninstall it immediately and look for secure alternatives.
Using this package can lead to security breaches, as it modifies critical files and can introduce other vulnerabilities into your project.
Regularly audit your npm packages, remove any known malicious packages, and stay updated on security advisories related to the packages you use.
