Malicious Code Injection in ucok-poke52: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-169674: Malicious code in ucok-poke52 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The ucok-poke52 package is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by creating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. The primary function of ucok-poke52 is to inflate developer reputation scores through automated scripts, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in ucok-poke52 arises from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file by removing private flags and altering version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ucok-poke52If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can prevent the installation of the ucok-poke52 package by removing it from your package.json file and running npm install to ensure that it is not included in your project dependencies.
Conclusion
The ucok-poke52 package presents a significant vulnerability due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can further enhance security by providing real-time monitoring for open-source vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for ucok-poke52 →
FAQ
ucok-poke52 is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated package publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should update the package to a patched version if available or remove it entirely from your project to avoid security risks.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can check your application for vulnerabilities without any signup at the Vulert playground.
Regularly audit your dependencies and use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time, ensuring that you are alerted to any issues as they arise.
