Malicious Code Injection in steep_snipe_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-109116: Malicious code in steep_snipe_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The steep_snipe_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It has been identified as part of a broader malicious campaign targeting npm packages, specifically designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated scripts. This package, like others in the campaign, is engineered to manipulate its own metadata and publish numerous derivative packages with altered names and versions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the steep_snipe_0xrequest package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can compromise the integrity of the ecosystem. The malicious payload is designed to exploit the npm publishing process, potentially allowing attackers to gain undue reputation and visibility.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall steep_snipe_0xrequest
If 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 steep_snipe_0xrequest package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes using tools like Vulert, which can alert you to vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The steep_snipe_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating npm package metadata. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for steep_snipe_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating package metadata and inflating developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your project, potentially compromising its integrity and security.
You should remove the steep_snipe_0xrequest package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring access to the code or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.