Malicious Code Injection in endless_kite_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-94254: Malicious code in endless_kite_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The endless_kite_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages often include scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages, aiming to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. The presence of such malicious code poses a significant risk to developers and users relying on this package.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the endless_kite_z3n package originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The ramifications of this vulnerability include potential security risks for applications using this package, as well as the degradation of the npm ecosystem due to the proliferation of malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall endless_kite_z3n
If 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 endless_kite_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 in real-time.
Conclusion
The endless_kite_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and users. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The endless_kite_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The vulnerability can lead to security risks, as it modifies package.json and repopulates the npm registry with potentially harmful packages.
You should uninstall the endless_kite_z3n package immediately using 'npm uninstall endless_kite_z3n' and monitor your project for any related vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.