Malicious Code Detected in datascite Package - Security Alert

datascite Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/08/2025
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2025-18007: Malicious code in datascite (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored MarkAI Find prospects already talking about the problem you solve AI watches the communities your customers use to find qualified prospects, then alerts you when a conversation is worth joining. See MarkAI

Background

The datascite package is an npm library designed for managing and utilizing data citation functionalities within applications. It allows developers to easily integrate data citation features into their projects, enhancing the usability and credibility of data sources. However, the package has been found to contain malicious code, posing significant risks to users and their applications.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the datascite 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 harmful actions that could affect the integrity of the software and its data. Users of this package are at risk of exploitation, making it critical to address this issue promptly.

How To Fix

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

npm uninstall datascite

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 measure, consider removing the datascite package from your project until a secure version is released. You can do this by executing the following command: npm uninstall datascite. This will help mitigate the risk of exposure to the malicious code.

Conclusion

The discovery of malicious code in the datascite package poses a significant threat to users and their applications. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your software from potential exploitation. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.

See every vulnerability recorded for datascite →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

The datascite package is used for managing data citation functionalities in applications, allowing developers to integrate citation features easily.

You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to use the Vulert playground without signup.

If you are using the datascite package, it is crucial to update it to the latest patched version or remove it from your project until a secure version is available.

The malicious code can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other harmful actions that compromise the security and integrity of your application.

Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which allows you to monitor and receive alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software without requiring access to the code.

How To Fix

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

npm uninstall datascite

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 →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback