Malicious Code Injection in useless_scallop_requirement Package
Summary
MAL-2025-97212: Malicious code in useless_scallop_requirement (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'useless_scallop_requirement' package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It has been identified as part of a broader malicious campaign targeting developers through token rewards. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the 'useless_scallop_requirement' package, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust in the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall useless_scallop_requirementIf 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 remove the 'useless_scallop_requirement' package from your project by executing the command: 'npm uninstall useless_scallop_requirement'. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you assess your project's dependencies.
Conclusion
The 'useless_scallop_requirement' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant about their dependencies and to utilize tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring of vulnerabilities. Immediate action should be taken to remove or update this package to maintain the security of your projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the creation of numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any other dependencies that may have been affected by this malicious campaign.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
