Malicious Code Injection in efficient_takin_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-98694: Malicious code in efficient_takin_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The efficient_takin_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It is often involved in token reward campaigns, which can lead to the proliferation of malicious packages. This package has been identified as part of a scheme that generates derivative packages to inflate developer reputation scores, making it susceptible to exploitation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the efficient_takin_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to manipulate the npm registry and developer reputation scores. The ramifications include potential pollution of the npm registry and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall efficient_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 prevent the installation of the efficient_takin_z3n package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock your dependencies. This will help avoid inadvertently installing the malicious package until a proper fix is implemented.
Conclusion
The efficient_takin_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its involvement in a malicious campaign. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor your dependencies for any vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about potential threats in your software.
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FAQ
The efficient_takin_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the generation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential security risks for applications relying on the affected package.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. By utilizing the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If you are using the efficient_takin_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately and review your project's dependencies for any other potentially malicious packages.
Currently, there is no patch available for the efficient_takin_z3n package. The best course of action is to remove the package and monitor your dependencies for updates.
