Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in dependabot-ruleset-runner Package
Summary
MAL-2025-5769: Malicious code in dependabot-ruleset-runner (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The dependabot-ruleset-runner is an npm package designed to automate dependency updates in projects. It helps developers manage their project dependencies efficiently by running rulesets that determine which updates should be applied. However, this package has been found to contain embedded malicious code, making it a significant security risk for any system that utilizes it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the inclusion of malicious code within the dependabot-ruleset-runner package. This code can compromise any computer that has the package installed, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information such as secrets and keys. The ramifications of this vulnerability are severe, as it could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized control over the affected systems. The malicious nature of the code is classified under CWE-506, indicating that it appears to be intentionally harmful.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall dependabot-ruleset-runnerIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, if you need to maintain functionality while removing the vulnerable package, consider using alternative dependency management tools or manually updating your dependencies without relying on dependabot-ruleset-runner. Additionally, ensure that all secrets and keys stored on the affected computer are rotated immediately from a different, secure computer.
Conclusion
The dependabot-ruleset-runner package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant security threat. Users are advised to remove the package immediately and take necessary precautions to secure their systems. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for dependabot-ruleset-runner →
FAQ
It is an npm package that automates the process of updating project dependencies based on predefined rulesets.
The malicious code can compromise your system, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially leading to full control by an outside entity.
You should immediately remove the dependabot-ruleset-runner package and rotate any sensitive information stored on the affected system.
As of now, there is no patched version available. It is recommended to remove the package until a secure version is released.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just the package-lock.json file. You can also check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
