Malicious Code Injection in violent_thrush_replicate_automation Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110566: Malicious code in violent_thrush_replicate_automation (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'violent_thrush_replicate_automation' package is part of a broader ecosystem that has been exploited for malicious purposes. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages often contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. The vulnerability stems from the package's ability to modify its own package.json file, leading to potential security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the 'violent_thrush_replicate_automation' package is rooted in its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. This allows the package to generate and publish numerous derivative packages with randomized 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 such malicious packages. The ramifications include compromised package integrity, potential security breaches, and a degraded npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall violent_thrush_replicate_automationIf 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 'violent_thrush_replicate_automation' package from your project by executing the command: 'npm uninstall violent_thrush_replicate_automation'. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative.
Conclusion
The 'violent_thrush_replicate_automation' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your project. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been associated with malicious activities, specifically linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
