Malicious Code Injection in aware_mite_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93329: Malicious code in aware_mite_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The aware_mite_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. Its primary function is to facilitate the distribution of JavaScript code, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the aware_mite_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages with randomized names. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and creating random package names. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores but also pollutes the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes the creation of such malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall aware_mite_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 prevent the installation of the aware_mite_z3n package by adding it to your project's .npmrc file with the following line: 'package-lock=false'. This will stop npm from installing this specific package until a fix is available.
Conclusion
The aware_mite_z3n package has been identified as a malicious entity within the npm ecosystem, posing significant risks to developers and their projects. Immediate action is required to remove this package and prevent further exploitation. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
The aware_mite_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project by introducing unwanted or harmful code.
You should uninstall the aware_mite_z3n package immediately to mitigate any risks associated with its malicious behavior.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.
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