Malicious Code Injection in apparent_damselfly_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99512: Malicious code in apparent_damselfly_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The apparent_damselfly_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package was identified as part of a malicious campaign that aimed to exploit npm by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the apparent_damselfly_z3n package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust in the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall apparent_damselfly_z3nIf 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 apparent_damselfly_z3n package and any packages that may have been derived from it. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project.
Conclusion
The apparent_damselfly_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to ensure their projects are secure from such vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
Using this package can compromise your project's integrity and expose it to security risks, including unauthorized access and data breaches.
You should uninstall the apparent_damselfly_z3n package immediately and review your project's dependencies for any other malicious packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
