Malicious Code Injection in worthwhile_cheetah_requirement Package
Summary
MAL-2025-97420: Malicious code in worthwhile_cheetah_requirement (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'worthwhile_cheetah_requirement' package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development of applications by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing mechanisms, leading to significant security risks for developers and their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the 'worthwhile_cheetah_requirement' package. This payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The intent is to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk of unintentional dependency on compromised packages, potentially leading to further exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall worthwhile_cheetah_requirementIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the 'worthwhile_cheetah_requirement' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your project's dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'worthwhile_cheetah_requirement' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm's publishing system. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for 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 the npm registry and inflate developer reputation scores.
If your application depends on this package, it may inadvertently rely on malicious code that can compromise its security and integrity.
Immediately uninstall the package using 'npm uninstall worthwhile_cheetah_requirement' and audit your project for any other vulnerable dependencies.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your project in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just the package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
