Malicious Code Injection in uncertain_rooster-apptea Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110039: Malicious code in uncertain_rooster-apptea (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The uncertain_rooster-apptea package is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign that has recently infiltrated the npm ecosystem. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the uncertain_rooster-apptea package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The scripts continuously republish these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential misuse of developer reputation scores. The ramifications include unauthorized access to sensitive information and the potential for further exploitation of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall uncertain_rooster-appteaIf 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 prevent the installation of this package by using the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall uncertain_rooster-apptea. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address other vulnerabilities in your project.
Conclusion
The uncertain_rooster-apptea package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and pollutes the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your project and monitor for any further vulnerabilities to maintain the security of your application.
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FAQ
It is a package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been found to contain malicious scripts.
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file and pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the uncertain_rooster-apptea package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual activity.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
