Malicious Code Injection in diverse_aphid_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94076: Malicious code in diverse_aphid_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The diverse_aphid_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and has been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the diverse_aphid_z3n package, which includes scripts that modify package.json files to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry, potentially affecting other developers and users relying on the integrity of npm packages. The malicious payload can cause significant disruption and undermine trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall diverse_aphid_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 diverse_aphid_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The diverse_aphid_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package configurations and pollutes the npm registry. Immediate action is required to remove this package and safeguard your projects from potential harm. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and preventing future vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The diverse_aphid_z3n package is an npm package linked to a token reward campaign that has been identified to contain malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json, removes private flags, and can lead to the republishing of harmful variants, potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You should immediately remove the diverse_aphid_z3n package from your project and monitor for any unauthorized changes in your package-lock.json.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor vulnerabilities, and stay updated with the latest security patches for your packages.
