Malicious Code Injection in upper_locust_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110208: Malicious code in upper_locust_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The upper_locust_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate various functionalities within the npm registry but has been compromised to include malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata. Its primary attributes include automatic publishing capabilities and the generation of derivative packages, which are now exploited for malicious purposes.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the upper_locust_0xrequest package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies package.json files to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry and can inflate developer reputation scores fraudulently. The malicious payload is executed through autopublish scripts that continuously republish variants, posing significant risks to developers relying on the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall upper_locust_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, you can avoid using the upper_locust_0xrequest package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The upper_locust_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and pollutes the npm registry. It is essential to uninstall this package and monitor your projects for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that was part of a token reward campaign but has been compromised to include malicious scripts.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized changes in your package.json, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual activity.
Yes, you can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
