Malicious Code Injection in sound_macaw_0xrequest Package: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-108935: Malicious code in sound_macaw_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The sound_macaw_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development of applications by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to manipulate the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages that inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the sound_macaw_0xrequest package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of the ecosystem. The malicious payload can affect developers by creating confusion and undermining trust in legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sound_macaw_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 sound_macaw_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unexpected changes in the package.json file.
Conclusion
The sound_macaw_0xrequest package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior. It is essential for developers to be vigilant and take immediate action to remove affected packages and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project's dependencies.
You should uninstall the sound_macaw_0xrequest package immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without requiring any signup.
