Malicious Code Detected in eslint-plugin-pb: A Critical Security Concern
Summary
MAL-2025-19859: Malicious code in eslint-plugin-pb (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
eslint-plugin-pb is an npm package designed to provide linting capabilities for JavaScript code, specifically targeting the PB (Protocol Buffers) syntax. It helps developers maintain code quality and consistency by identifying potential errors and enforcing coding standards. However, the package has been found to contain malicious code, posing a significant risk to users who integrate it into their projects.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the inclusion of malicious code within the eslint-plugin-pb package. This code can potentially compromise the security of applications that utilize the package, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other malicious activities. The issue was introduced in version 0 and affects all subsequent versions, making it imperative for users to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall eslint-plugin-pbIf 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 eslint-plugin-pb package from their project until a patched version is released. This can be done by executing the following command: npm uninstall eslint-plugin-pb. Consider using alternative linting tools that do not pose security risks.
Conclusion
The discovery of malicious code in the eslint-plugin-pb package highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance in open-source software usage. Users are strongly advised to update or remove the affected package to safeguard their applications from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for eslint-plugin-pb →
FAQ
eslint-plugin-pb is an npm package that provides linting support for Protocol Buffers syntax in JavaScript applications.
The malicious code was identified through security assessments conducted by Amazon Inspector, which flagged the package for containing harmful code.
Using the affected package can lead to security vulnerabilities, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
If immediate updates are not feasible, consider removing the package and using alternative tools until a secure version is available.
