Malicious Code Injection in advanced_caterpillar_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93145: Malicious code in advanced_caterpillar_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The advanced_caterpillar_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with various packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with altered metadata, which can mislead developers and inflate reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the advanced_caterpillar_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to exploit the npm registry for reputation inflation. The ramifications include potential pollution of the npm registry, misleading developers, and compromising the integrity of the software supply chain.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall advanced_caterpillar_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the advanced_caterpillar_z3n package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may have been affected by this malicious package. Regularly audit your package-lock.json file to identify and remove any suspicious packages.
Conclusion
The advanced_caterpillar_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with compromised packages. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your project's dependencies, potentially introducing malicious code.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
You should immediately uninstall the advanced_caterpillar_z3n package using 'npm uninstall advanced_caterpillar_z3n' and audit your project for any other suspicious packages.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help you monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time, ensuring your application remains secure.
