Malicious Code Detected in autochmod: A Critical npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-15113: Malicious code in autochmod (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The autochmod package is an npm library designed to automate file permission changes in a Node.js environment. It aims to simplify the management of file permissions for developers. However, this package has been found to contain malicious code, posing a significant risk to users who integrate it into their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the autochmod package originates from the inclusion of malicious code that can compromise the security of applications utilizing this package. This code can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other malicious activities. Users who have installed this package may unknowingly expose their systems to various threats, making it imperative to address this issue promptly.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall autochmodIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can manually manage file permissions without relying on the autochmod package. This can be done using native Node.js file system methods or command-line tools to set permissions as needed.
Conclusion
The discovery of malicious code in the autochmod package highlights the importance of vigilance in managing open-source dependencies. Users are encouraged to remove the package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities to ensure security.
See every vulnerability recorded for autochmod →
FAQ
autochmod is an npm package designed to automate file permission changes in Node.js applications.
The malicious code was identified by security researchers from Amazon Inspector, who reported the vulnerability.
Using the autochmod package can expose your application to security threats, including unauthorized access and data breaches.
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 autochmod package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches that may be released.
