Malicious Code Injection in weak_swordfish-tool: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-110767: Malicious code in weak_swordfish-tool (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The weak_swordfish-tool package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate development by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing capabilities, leading to potential security risks for developers and their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in weak_swordfish-tool stems from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages contain scripts designed to modify the package.json file, removing private flags and changing version numbers. The malicious payload generates random package names and continuously republishes variants, which can lead to pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of dependent applications. This vulnerability poses significant risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of development workflows.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall weak_swordfish-toolIf 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 weak_swordfish-tool package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall weak_swordfish-tool. This will prevent any potential malicious activity associated with the package until a fix is applied.
Conclusion
The weak_swordfish-tool package presents a significant security risk due to its malicious code injection vulnerability. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing monitoring tools like Vulert to safeguard their applications against potential threats.
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FAQ
weak_swordfish-tool is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor your application for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly update your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and review package sources before installation.
