Malicious Code Injection in calm_tern_z3n Package: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-93461: Malicious code in calm_tern_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The calm_tern_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development and deployment of applications by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing capabilities to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the calm_tern_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages contain scripts designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly install these malicious packages, leading to potential security breaches and compromised applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall calm_tern_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the calm_tern_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can use the following command to audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities: 'npm audit'.
Conclusion
The calm_tern_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies package.json and floods the npm registry. It is essential for developers to be vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your applications from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for calm_tern_z3n →
FAQ
The calm_tern_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious packages that may compromise your application's security, potentially allowing unauthorized access or data breaches.
If you have installed calm_tern_z3n, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall calm_tern_z3n' and audit your project for any other vulnerabilities.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can also check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, you should look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality but are verified and secure. Always check the package's reputation and reviews before installation.
