Malicious Code Detected in compton Package - Security Alert

compton Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/08/2025
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2025-17462: Malicious code in compton (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The compton package is a popular npm library used for managing compositing in window managers. It provides functionalities that enhance the visual performance of applications by managing how windows are rendered. However, recent findings have revealed that this package contains malicious code, posing significant security risks to users and applications that depend on it.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the compton package originates from the inclusion of malicious code that can compromise the security of applications utilizing this library. This code may lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other harmful actions within the affected systems. The malicious nature of this code was identified by Amazon Inspector, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing dependencies for security threats.

How To Fix

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

npm uninstall compton

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, consider removing the compton package from your project until a secure version is released. You can do this by executing the command: 'npm uninstall compton'. This will prevent the execution of any malicious code while you await a fix.

Conclusion

The discovery of malicious code in the compton package poses a serious threat to applications relying on it. Users are urged to take immediate action by updating or uninstalling the package to safeguard their systems. Regular monitoring of dependencies is crucial for maintaining security.

See every vulnerability recorded for compton →

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FAQ

The compton package is used for managing compositing in window managers, enhancing the visual performance of applications.

The malicious code was discovered by Amazon Inspector, which identified security threats within the package.

Using the compromised package can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other harmful actions within your applications.

You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.

If you cannot update the package immediately, consider uninstalling it as a temporary measure to prevent potential security risks.

How To Fix

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

npm uninstall compton

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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