Malicious Code Detected in cpufake Package - Security Alert
Summary
MAL-2025-17652: Malicious code in cpufake (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The cpufake package is an npm library designed to simulate CPU load for testing and benchmarking purposes. It is often utilized in performance testing scenarios to mimic high CPU usage. However, this package has been identified to contain malicious code, posing significant security risks to users who integrate it into their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the cpufake package stems 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 harmful actions within the user's environment. The malicious code was introduced in version 0 and affects all subsequent versions, making it critical for users to take immediate action to mitigate risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall cpufakeIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds to mitigate the effects of the malicious code in the cpufake package. Users are advised to avoid using this package altogether until a secure alternative is found.
Conclusion
The cpufake package has been identified as containing malicious code, which poses serious security risks to applications that utilize it. Users are advised to remove the package and monitor for updates or alternatives to ensure the security of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for cpufake →
FAQ
The cpufake package is used to simulate CPU load for testing and benchmarking applications.
The malicious code can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches in applications that use the package.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
As of now, there is no patched version available for cpufake. It is recommended to remove the package from your project.
You should immediately remove the cpufake package from your project and consider using alternative packages that do not have known vulnerabilities.
