Malicious Code Injection in Subtle Orangutan Silentdev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-109249: Malicious code in subtle_orangutan-silentdev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'subtle_orangutan-silentdev' package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various development tasks. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the tea.xyz token reward system. This package, like others in the campaign, contains scripts designed to automatically publish derivative packages with altered metadata, which can lead to significant issues in the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the 'subtle_orangutan-silentdev' package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which are then continuously republished. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches or loss of control over their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall subtle_orangutan-silentdevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the 'subtle_orangutan-silentdev' package and any packages that depend on it. Additionally, consider using a package-lock.json file to monitor dependencies and prevent the installation of compromised packages.
Conclusion
The 'subtle_orangutan-silentdev' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with compromised versions. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain 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 aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the installation of compromised packages, potentially causing security vulnerabilities.
You should immediately remove the 'subtle_orangutan-silentdev' package and check for any dependencies that may have been affected.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any sign-up.
