Malicious Code Injection in ucok-poke64: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-169687: Malicious code in ucok-poke64 (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
ucok-poke64 is an npm package that is part of a broader campaign to exploit the npm registry. This package is designed to facilitate the distribution of malicious code by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages. Its primary functionality revolves around token reward campaigns, which incentivize developers to inflate their reputation scores through the creation of numerous packages. However, this has led to significant vulnerabilities within the ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in ucok-poke64 stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file. This includes removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. The origin of this issue is linked to a campaign that aims to exploit the npm ecosystem for token rewards, resulting in potential security risks for developers and users relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ucok-poke64
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 ucok-poke64 package and instead look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before installation.
Conclusion
The ucok-poke64 package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious code injection capabilities. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your projects from potential security risks.
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FAQ
ucok-poke64 is an npm package involved in a malicious campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the security of your project by introducing malicious code.
You should uninstall the package immediately using npm uninstall ucok-poke64 and check your project for any other potentially harmful packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.