Summary
Togoder Security scanned the npm package @colors/colors@1.5.0 on Oct 6, 2026. An AI review of 16 source files produced 2 medium, 3 low severity findings. The overall verdict is medium: the findings flag risky but common patterns (dynamic code, unsafe defaults, broad file or network access) rather than confirmed malware.
Findings 5
Global prototype pollution
NPS-B40AD3C32989
The module extends String.prototype with numerous getters, including a dynamically generated set from colors.styles and custom themes. While a blacklist exists for applyTheme, the initial addProperty calls and styles iteration are unrestricted. This globally mutates a native object, can break other libraries, and may introduce security risks via property shadowing or unexpected behavior in dependent code.
Unvalidated dynamic property assignment
NPS-CE383C40BFD8
applyTheme iterates over user-provided theme keys and calls addProperty for each non-blacklisted key. Although a blacklist prevents overriding some core String methods, it does not prevent other dangerous property names (e.g., '__proto__', 'prototype', 'name', 'caller', 'arguments') from being used. This could lead to prototype pollution or unexpected global modifications if an attacker can influence the theme object.
Monkey-patching String prototype
NPS-D994C6ED842B
The required library extends String.prototype with many methods (e.g., .yellow, .underline, .red, etc.), which is a global side effect that runs at import time and could interfere with other code, though this is the intended behavior of the colors library.
Dynamic require with computed path
NPS-11B7C1C0A0EF
Uses require() with a dynamically constructed path (__dirname + '/../themes/generic-logging.js') which could be manipulated in a way that loads unintended modules if the package structure is altered, though here it is within the package's own theme directory.
Dynamic module loading via require
NPS-90CF9C206FD9
The code comments and setTheme function reference requiring external theme files, but the actual require call is not present in this snippet. If future modifications or external usage dynamically require files based on user input, it could lead to arbitrary code execution. Current code does not contain direct dynamic require, but the pattern is noted.
Files reviewed
| File | Verdict | What the reviewer saw |
|---|---|---|
| examples/normal-usage.js | medium | No malicious patterns detected; the code is a normal usage example of a color styling library with only minor concerns about dynamic require and prototype extension. |
| lib/extendStringPrototype.js | medium | The code globally modifies String.prototype and allows unvalidated theme properties, posing prototype pollution and compatibility risks, though no direct malicious behavior is present. |
| examples/safe-string.js | safe | No malicious patterns detected; the file is a harmless example demonstrating a string-coloring library. |
| lib/colors.js | safe | No malicious patterns detected; the code is a standard ANSI color styling library with no network, filesystem, process, or dynamic code execution risks. |
| lib/custom/trap.js | safe | No malicious patterns detected; the code is a harmless text obfuscation utility that transforms characters using a hardcoded Unicode mapping. |
| lib/custom/zalgo.js | safe | No malicious patterns detected |
| lib/index.js | safe | No malicious patterns detected; the file simply re-exports the 'colors' module and extends String.prototype as documented. |
| lib/maps/america.js | safe | Cleared by Jev triage; no further analysis needed |
| lib/maps/rainbow.js | safe | Cleared by Jev triage; no further analysis needed |
| lib/maps/random.js | safe | Cleared by Jev triage; no further analysis needed |
| lib/maps/zebra.js | safe | Cleared by Jev triage; no further analysis needed |
| lib/styles.js | safe | No malicious patterns detected; the file is a standard ANSI color/style code definition for terminal output. |
| lib/system/has-flag.js | safe | Cleared by Jev triage; no further analysis needed |
| lib/system/supports-colors.js | safe | No malicious patterns detected; this is a standard color-support detection library that only reads environment variables and OS release info without network, filesystem, or process activity. |
| safe.js | safe | Cleared by Jev triage; no further analysis needed |
| themes/generic-logging.js | safe | Cleared by Jev triage; no further analysis needed |
Scanned versions of @colors/colors
| Version | Verdict | Files | Scanned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5.0 | Needs review | 16 | Oct 6, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
Is @colors/colors safe to use?
No confirmed malware was found in @colors/colors@1.5.0, but the review flagged 2 medium, 3 low severity findings for risky patterns worth checking before you rely on it.
Does @colors/colors contain malware?
No malware was identified in @colors/colors@1.5.0 when Togoder Security scanned it on Oct 6, 2026. A new version can still introduce malicious code, so scan the exact versions in your lockfile.
How was @colors/colors checked?
Togoder Security downloaded the published npm package and had an AI model read its 16 source files, looking for install scripts, credential access, network exfiltration, obfuscation, backdoors and crypto-wallet theft. The results are cached by file hash and shown here.
How do I scan @colors/colors together with the rest of my dependencies?
Upload your lockfile at https://security.togoder.click/scan or call the API documented at https://security.togoder.click/api-docs. Files that have already been scanned, like the ones in @colors/colors@1.5.0, cost nothing.