Malicious Code Injection in spicy_aardwolf_violet-44: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-109002: Malicious code in spicy_aardwolf_violet-44 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
spicy_aardwolf_violet-44 is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm ecosystem. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The package's functionality is compromised, making it a vector for malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's design, which includes autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to reputation damage for developers and potential security risks for users who inadvertently install these malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall spicy_aardwolf_violet-44If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid using the spicy_aardwolf_violet-44 package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may inadvertently include it. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any unexpected changes.
Conclusion
The spicy_aardwolf_violet-44 package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry with harmful variants. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for similar threats to maintain security and integrity.
See every vulnerability recorded for spicy_aardwolf_violet-44 →
FAQ
spicy_aardwolf_violet-44 is an npm package involved in a malicious campaign that modifies package metadata to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious packages, which may compromise your project's security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall spicy_aardwolf_violet-44' and check for any other affected dependencies.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and stay informed about known vulnerabilities in the npm ecosystem.
