Malicious Code Injection in useless_crab_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110252: Malicious code in useless_crab_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'useless_crab_0xrequest' package is part of a larger ecosystem of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry, affecting developers and users relying on legitimate packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from malicious code embedded within the 'useless_crab_0xrequest' package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which can lead to the proliferation of unwanted and potentially harmful packages in the npm registry. The continuous republishing of these variants can compromise the integrity of the npm ecosystem, making it difficult for developers to trust the packages they use.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall useless_crab_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 'useless_crab_0xrequest' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'useless_crab_0xrequest' package contains malicious code that can compromise the integrity of your npm projects. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can provide additional security by alerting you to potential issues in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for useless_crab_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor your project for any signs of compromise.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time, using just your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
