Malicious Code Vulnerability in xenogeneic_otter_0xrequest Package
Summary
MAL-2025-111114: Malicious code in xenogeneic_otter_0xrequest (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The xenogeneic_otter_0xrequest package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The presence of this package in a project can lead to significant security risks and pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package being associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which floods npm with malicious packages. These packages contain scripts designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the affected projects but also contributes to the pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall xenogeneic_otter_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 xenogeneic_otter_0xrequest package and instead look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the source and reputation of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The xenogeneic_otter_0xrequest package poses a significant security risk due to its association with a malicious campaign. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant, regularly check their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. Removing this package and ensuring the integrity of your project is essential for maintaining security.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, potentially exposing your project to further security risks and polluting the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected without any signup.
You should uninstall the xenogeneic_otter_0xrequest package immediately and review your other dependencies for any potential vulnerabilities.
There is no patch for the xenogeneic_otter_0xrequest package itself, as it is recommended to remove it entirely from your project.
