Malicious Code Injection in wise_gerbil_0xrequest: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-110958: Malicious code in wise_gerbil_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The wise_gerbil_0xrequest package is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This functionality, while intended for legitimate purposes, has been exploited to introduce malicious code.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious payload embedded within the wise_gerbil_0xrequest package. It modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This can result in compromised developer environments, loss of control over package versions, and potential security risks for applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall wise_gerbil_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 wise_gerbil_0xrequest package and replace it with a trusted alternative. If you must use it, consider isolating it in a separate environment to minimize exposure to your main application.
Conclusion
The wise_gerbil_0xrequest package contains a significant vulnerability that can compromise the security of applications using it. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for any similar threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your open-source projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for wise_gerbil_0xrequest →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code, compromising your application's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check your project for any unintended changes made by the malicious code.
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 for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
