Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in react-forget-runtime Package
Summary
MAL-2025-5516: Malicious code in react-forget-runtime (npm). Affects react-forget-runtime versions 0.0.0-experimental-4b12060-20250613 – 2.6.0. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The react-forget-runtime package is an npm library designed for managing state in React applications. It provides developers with tools to handle state transitions efficiently. However, this package has been compromised, leading to significant security concerns due to embedded malicious code that can compromise the entire system it runs on.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the react-forget-runtime package. This code can fully compromise any computer that has the package installed, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information such as secrets and keys. The ramifications are severe, as attackers may gain complete control over the affected system, making it imperative for users to act swiftly to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall react-forget-runtime
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
Currently, the only effective workaround is to uninstall the react-forget-runtime package. Use the following command to remove it: npm uninstall react-forget-runtime. After removal, check for any residual malicious software that may remain on the system.
Conclusion
The react-forget-runtime package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant security risk. Immediate action is required to remove the package and secure any sensitive information. Users are encouraged to utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities in their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for react-forget-runtime →
FAQ
Immediately uninstall the package and rotate any sensitive information stored on the affected system.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is impacted by this vulnerability without any signup.
Currently, there is no patch available. The recommended action is to uninstall the package.
Failing to address this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and complete control of your system by malicious actors.
Vulert monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file, providing real-time updates.