Malicious Code Injection in correct_salmon_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101017: Malicious code in correct_salmon_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The correct_salmon_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It is designed to facilitate the distribution of JavaScript packages. However, this package has been identified as malicious, containing scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages with the intent to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior poses a significant risk to developers and users relying on npm packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the correct_salmon_z3n package originates from its malicious code, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This results in the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry, potentially leading to security risks and loss of trust in the ecosystem. The malicious payload is designed to exploit the npm registry's mechanisms, making it difficult for developers to identify and mitigate the risks associated with these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall correct_salmon_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 correct_salmon_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The correct_salmon_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and adopt best practices for dependency management to safeguard their applications.
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FAQ
The correct_salmon_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as malicious, designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the continuous republishing of harmful variants, potentially compromising your project's security.
You should uninstall the correct_salmon_z3n package immediately using the command npm uninstall correct_salmon_z3n.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and only use trusted packages.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without needing to sign up.
