Malicious Code Detected in English-Time Package (npm)
Summary
MAL-2025-19656: Malicious code in english-time (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'english-time' package is a Node.js library designed to facilitate the conversion of time-related phrases into English. It is commonly used in applications that require natural language processing for time expressions. However, this package has been found to contain malicious code, posing a significant risk to users and their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the 'english-time' package stems from the inclusion of malicious code that can compromise the security of applications utilizing this package. This code can potentially 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 users to take immediate action.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall english-timeIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can remove the 'english-time' package from their project until a secure version is released. This can be done by executing the command: 'npm uninstall english-time'. Consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The discovery of malicious code in the 'english-time' package highlights the importance of vigilance when using open-source libraries. Users are urged to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities in the future.
See every vulnerability recorded for english-time →
FAQ
The 'english-time' package is used to convert time-related phrases into English, facilitating natural language processing in applications.
The malicious code was identified by security researchers from Amazon Inspector, who reported the findings to the open-source community.
Using the compromised 'english-time' package can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, data breaches, and other malicious activities.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities by analyzing your package-lock.json file. You can also check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
If you have already used the 'english-time' package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and monitor your application for any unusual behavior.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
