Malicious Code Injection in xaver-botok74-apidev: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-92338: Malicious code in xaver-botok74-apidev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package xaver-botok74-apidev is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol, making it a target for malicious activity.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in xaver-botok74-apidev stems from its inclusion in a campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This results in the continuous republishing of variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can lead to security risks for developers who unknowingly incorporate these packages into their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall xaver-botok74-apidevIf 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 xaver-botok74-apidev package and instead opt for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall xaver-botok74-apidev.
Conclusion
The xaver-botok74-apidev package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and stay vigilant about the security of their dependencies. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
xaver-botok74-apidev is an npm package involved in a token reward campaign that manipulates the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may introduce security risks if the malicious packages are inadvertently used in your project.
You should uninstall the xaver-botok74-apidev package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can also check for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and stay updated on security advisories related to the packages you use.
