Malicious Code Injection in variable_alligator_0xrequest Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-110334: Malicious code in variable_alligator_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The variable_alligator_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with numerous packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with altered metadata, thereby inflating developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the variable_alligator_0xrequest package stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but can also lead to security risks for applications relying on these packages, as they may inadvertently use compromised versions.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall variable_alligator_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 variable_alligator_0xrequest package and replace its functionality with a trusted alternative. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities using tools like npm audit.
Conclusion
The variable_alligator_0xrequest package presents a significant vulnerability due to its malicious behavior of modifying package metadata and publishing compromised versions. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for security risks to maintain the integrity of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for variable_alligator_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for generating and publishing numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the use of compromised packages, which may introduce security risks and affect the integrity of your application.
You should uninstall the variable_alligator_0xrequest package immediately and check for any dependencies that may have been affected.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
