Malicious Code Injection in very_reptile_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110446: Malicious code in very_reptile_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The very_reptile_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript applications. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to severe security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the malicious code embedded within the very_reptile_0xrequest package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, effectively polluting the npm registry. The origin of this issue is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes the creation of these harmful packages. The ramifications include potential exposure of sensitive data, unauthorized access to systems, and a compromised npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall very_reptile_0xrequest
If 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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json file to monitor dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include this package by auditing your dependencies regularly.
Conclusion
The very_reptile_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor your dependencies for any vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate developer reputation scores.
The malicious code can modify your package.json file, remove private flags, and publish harmful variants, leading to potential security breaches.
You should uninstall the very_reptile_0xrequest package immediately and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, you can use 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.