Malicious Code Detected in create-temp-dir Package
Summary
MAL-2025-17666: Malicious code in create-temp-dir (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The create-temp-dir package is a widely used npm module that allows developers to create temporary directories for file storage during application runtime. It is designed to simplify the management of temporary files, ensuring that they can be easily created and removed as needed. However, this package has been found to contain malicious code, posing significant risks to applications that rely on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the create-temp-dir 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 malicious activities. The issue was introduced in version 0 and affects all subsequent versions, making it critical for developers to address this vulnerability promptly.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall create-temp-dirIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can remove the create-temp-dir package from your project and replace its functionality with an alternative package that does not have known vulnerabilities. Consider using packages like tmp or temp-dir, which provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The discovery of malicious code in the create-temp-dir package highlights the importance of maintaining secure dependencies in software development. Developers should promptly update their packages and consider using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for create-temp-dir →
FAQ
The create-temp-dir package is used to create temporary directories for file storage in Node.js applications.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By analyzing your package-lock.json file, Vulert can identify if your application is affected.
Using a package with malicious code can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential exploitation of your application, compromising user data and application integrity.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup or installation.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing a workaround by using an alternative package or removing the functionality that relies on create-temp-dir until a secure version is available.
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