Malicious Code Injection in external_earthworm_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94397: Malicious code in external_earthworm_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The external_earthworm_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful packages. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward scheme, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the external_earthworm_z3n package, which contains scripts designed to automatically modify and republish packages. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall external_earthworm_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 external_earthworm_z3n package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Additionally, consider using a tool like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The external_earthworm_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain application security.
See every vulnerability recorded for external_earthworm_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately remove the external_earthworm_z3n package and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without any signup.
