Malicious Code Vulnerability in clumsy_takin_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100624: Malicious code in clumsy_takin_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The clumsy_takin_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate various functionalities within the npm registry but has been compromised to include malicious scripts that can affect developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from malicious code embedded within the clumsy_takin_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential reputational damage for developers. The package is part of a broader scheme to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making it a significant threat to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall clumsy_takin_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 clumsy_takin_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionalities without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unauthorized changes to package.json.
Conclusion
The clumsy_takin_z3n package contains malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your projects for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been compromised to include malicious code aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to unauthorized changes and reputational damage.
You should remove the clumsy_takin_z3n package from your project immediately and monitor for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
