Malicious Code Injection in classic_shrew_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93569: Malicious code in classic_shrew_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The classic_shrew_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript development. 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 inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the classic_shrew_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names to continuously republish variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall classic_shrew_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 classic_shrew_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The classic_shrew_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and their projects. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your software. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and mitigating such risks effectively.
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FAQ
classic_shrew_z3n is an npm package linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising security and integrity.
Remove the classic_shrew_z3n package from your project immediately and monitor your dependencies for any further vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file, providing real-time insights.
