Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk Package
Summary
MAL-2025-5748: Malicious code in @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk (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 @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk is a JavaScript library designed for interacting with blockchain networks. It provides developers with tools to build decentralized applications (dApps) and manage blockchain transactions. However, this package has been identified to contain embedded malicious code, posing significant security risks to users and their systems.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code embedded within the @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk package. This code can compromise any computer that has the package installed, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information such as secrets and keys. The implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk
If 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 workaround, if you cannot immediately remove the package, consider isolating the affected application from sensitive data and networks until a fix is applied. Additionally, rotate all secrets and keys stored on the compromised system from a secure environment.
Conclusion
The @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk package contains embedded malicious code that poses a significant security threat to users. Immediate action is required to remove the package and secure any sensitive information. Monitoring for updates and utilizing tools like Vulert can help mitigate risks associated with open-source vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk →
FAQ
The malicious code is designed to compromise the security of systems where the package is installed, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
Immediately remove the @nomicsfoundation/web3-sdk package from your project and rotate any sensitive information stored on the affected system.
Currently, there is no patched version available. It is crucial to monitor the package repository for updates and apply them as soon as they are released.
Failing to address this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and exploitation of sensitive information by malicious actors.