Malicious Code Detected in chalkk Package - Security Alert

chalkk Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/08/2025
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2025-16776: Malicious code in chalkk (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The chalkk package is an npm library designed for enhancing terminal string styling with various colors and formatting options. It is widely used in Node.js applications for improving user interface aesthetics. However, recent findings have revealed that this package contains malicious code, posing significant security risks to applications that utilize it.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the chalkk package originates from the inclusion of malicious code that can compromise the integrity and security of applications using this library. This code can potentially lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other malicious activities. The issue affects all versions starting from 0, making it critical for users to take immediate action to protect their systems.

How To Fix

This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.

npm uninstall chalkk

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 temporary workaround, users can avoid using the chalkk package and instead utilize other well-known libraries for terminal styling, such as 'chalk' or 'colors'. For example, to install the 'chalk' package, use the following command: npm install chalk.

Conclusion

The discovery of malicious code in the chalkk package poses a serious threat to applications that utilize it. Users are strongly encouraged to remove this package and consider safer alternatives to ensure the security of their software. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can help maintain application security.

See every vulnerability recorded for chalkk →

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FAQ

Chalkk is an npm package used for styling terminal strings with colors and formatting options.

The malicious code can compromise application security, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data breaches.

You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.

It is recommended to remove the chalkk package and replace it with a secure alternative like 'chalk' or 'colors'.

As of now, there is no patched version available for chalkk, and it is advised to avoid using it.

How To Fix

This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.

npm uninstall chalkk

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 →

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