Malicious Code Injection in Subtle Goat 0xRequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-109248: Malicious code in subtle_goat_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The subtle_goat_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant issues in the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the subtle_goat_0xrequest package, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the affected package but also pollutes the npm registry with numerous derivative packages, potentially leading to security risks for developers who unknowingly use these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall subtle_goat_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, avoid using the subtle_goat_0xrequest package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Regularly audit your package dependencies to ensure they are secure.
Conclusion
The subtle_goat_0xrequest package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for similar vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity and security of your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for subtle_goat_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores by flooding the npm registry with derivative packages.
Using this package can lead to security risks, including the potential for your project to be associated with malicious activities and the pollution of your project's dependency tree.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall subtle_goat_0xrequest' and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, tools like Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use trusted sources for packages, and consider using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in your projects.