Malicious Code Injection in aggregate_monkey_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-99242: Malicious code in aggregate_monkey_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package aggregate_monkey_z3n is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with altered names and metadata. This behavior not only affects the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers and users relying on these packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in aggregate_monkey_z3n stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, leading to pollution of the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm ecosystem with such malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall aggregate_monkey_z3n
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the aggregate_monkey_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The aggregate_monkey_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant about the packages they use and to take immediate action to remove any identified vulnerabilities. Regular monitoring and updating of dependencies can help maintain the security of your projects.
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FAQ
aggregate_monkey_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as malicious, designed to manipulate the npm registry and inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your project, potentially compromising the security and integrity of your application.
If you have installed aggregate_monkey_z3n, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall aggregate_monkey_z3n' and check your project for any unintended changes.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can also check your application against known vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, always look for well-reviewed and actively maintained packages that serve the same purpose as aggregate_monkey_z3n, ensuring they have a good reputation in the developer community.