Malicious Code Injection in excess_silkworm_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-98706: Malicious code in excess_silkworm_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The excess_silkworm_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality is compromised due to malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the excess_silkworm_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall excess_silkworm_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 excess_silkworm_z3n package by adding it to your project's .npmrc file with the following line: 'package-lock=false'. This will help avoid any unintended installations of this malicious package.
Conclusion
The excess_silkworm_z3n package contains malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in maintaining the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for excess_silkworm_z3n →
FAQ
The excess_silkworm_z3n package is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which automates the creation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise your project's integrity by introducing malicious code.
If you have installed the excess_silkworm_z3n package, it is crucial to remove it immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and stay updated on security advisories related to your packages.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
