Critical Malware Installation Vulnerability in synckit Package
Summary
MAL-2025-6026: Malicious code in synckit (npm). Affects synckit versions 0.11.9. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The synckit package is a Node.js utility designed for synchronizing data between different sources. It is widely used in various applications for its efficiency and ease of integration. However, it has been found to contain a severe vulnerability that allows the installation of malicious software, specifically targeting Windows systems.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the package's install.js script, which is responsible for executing installation tasks. This script has been compromised to install a malicious Windows-based DLL file named node-gyp.dll. The presence of this malware can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential system compromise, making it a significant threat to users and applications relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall synckitIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As an immediate workaround, you can remove the synckit package from your project until a secure version is confirmed. Use the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall synckit.
Conclusion
The synckit package has a critical vulnerability that allows the installation of malicious software, posing a significant risk to users. It is essential to update the package or uninstall it until a secure version is released. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor vulnerabilities in your applications effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for synckit →
FAQ
The synckit package is used for synchronizing data between different sources in Node.js applications.
The vulnerability allows the installation of a Windows-based malware file named node-gyp.dll.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
Yes, updating the synckit package to the latest version will address this vulnerability.
As a temporary measure, you should uninstall the synckit package to mitigate the risk until a secure version is available.
