Malicious Code Injection in utomo-semur75-apidev: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-91641: Malicious code in utomo-semur75-apidev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'utomo-semur75-apidev' is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by creating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol, posing a significant risk to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'utomo-semur75-apidev' stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This allows the package to continuously republish variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to the distribution of compromised software. The origin of this issue is linked to the automated scripts (auto.js, autopublish.js, etc.) that are part of the malicious payload.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall utomo-semur75-apidevIf 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 affected package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'utomo-semur75-apidev' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to uninstall this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance security by providing real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The vulnerability involves malicious code that modifies package metadata and repackages it, leading to potential security risks.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall utomo-semur75-apidev' and monitor your dependencies for any updates.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time, providing alerts for any issues.
Using this package can lead to the distribution of compromised software, loss of developer reputation, and potential security breaches.
