Malicious Code Injection in wicked_pinniped_0xrequest: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-110894: Malicious code in wicked_pinniped_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The wicked_pinniped_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate certain functionalities within the npm registry but has been compromised to include malicious scripts that can affect developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded in the wicked_pinniped_0xrequest package. It modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the automatic publication of derivative packages. This behavior can inflate developer reputation scores fraudulently and pollute the npm registry with numerous unwanted packages, potentially affecting other developers and users relying on the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall wicked_pinniped_0xrequestIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can remove the wicked_pinniped_0xrequest package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall wicked_pinniped_0xrequest. This will prevent any malicious scripts from executing until a fix is implemented.
Conclusion
The wicked_pinniped_0xrequest package contains a serious vulnerability that can compromise the integrity of your npm projects. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your development environment. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about potential vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
See every vulnerability recorded for wicked_pinniped_0xrequest →
FAQ
wicked_pinniped_0xrequest is an npm package that has been compromised to include malicious code aimed at manipulating package publication processes.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized changes in your project's package.json file, potentially affecting your project's integrity and reputation on npm.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
Absolutely! You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
If a patched version is not available, it is advisable to remove the package from your project to mitigate any risks associated with the vulnerability.
