Malicious Code Injection in enormous_tern_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-102109: Malicious code in enormous_tern_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'enormous_tern_z3n' is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores but also poses a significant risk to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'enormous_tern_z3n' originates from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This can lead to a compromised environment where developers inadvertently use malicious packages, risking their applications' security.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall enormous_tern_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the 'enormous_tern_z3n' package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes and ensure that your project dependencies are secure.
Conclusion
The 'enormous_tern_z3n' package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior. It is essential for developers to be vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your applications from potential risks.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the creation of numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and functionality.
You should immediately uninstall the package and review your project for any other potentially malicious dependencies.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your application for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time by simply analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without requiring any signup.
