Malicious Code Injection in valid_earwig-appteadev Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110321: Malicious code in valid_earwig-appteadev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The valid_earwig-appteadev package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in various JavaScript applications. It is designed to facilitate specific functionalities within the application. However, this package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful scripts, compromising its integrity and security.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the package being associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs malicious scripts to manipulate package metadata. These scripts, including auto.js and autopublish.js, are designed to remove private flags from package.json, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores but also leads to the pollution of the npm registry, posing a significant risk to developers and users relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall valid_earwig-appteadevIf 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 valid_earwig-appteadev package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly monitor your package-lock.json file for any vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
Conclusion
The valid_earwig-appteadev package has been identified as containing malicious code that can compromise the integrity of applications using it. It is essential to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring for updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying such vulnerabilities in the future.
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FAQ
It is an npm package used in JavaScript applications, but it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file and may compromise the security of your application.
You should uninstall the valid_earwig-appteadev package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file.
