Malicious Code Injection in unusual_cicada_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110185: Malicious code in unusual_cicada_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The unusual_cicada_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to artificially inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior raises significant concerns regarding the integrity and security of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the unusual_cicada_0xrequest package stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the security of the affected package but also pollutes the npm registry with numerous derivative packages, potentially leading to confusion and misuse by developers. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm's publishing mechanisms.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall unusual_cicada_0xrequestIf 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 unusual_cicada_0xrequest package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may inadvertently include it. Regularly audit your package-lock.json file to ensure no malicious packages are present.
Conclusion
The unusual_cicada_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and stay vigilant about your dependencies to maintain a secure development environment.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your project's dependencies.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the unusual_cicada_0xrequest package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
Regularly audit your dependencies and use tools like Vulert to monitor for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
