Malicious Code Injection in filthy_skink_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94506: Malicious code in filthy_skink_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The filthy_skink_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the filthy_skink_z3n package, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall filthy_skink_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 remove the filthy_skink_z3n package from your project by running the command: 'npm uninstall filthy_skink_z3n'. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The filthy_skink_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential for developers to be vigilant and take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in maintaining the security of your software.
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FAQ
It is an npm package identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
Using the filthy_skink_z3n package can compromise your application's security and integrity by introducing malicious code.
You should uninstall the filthy_skink_z3n package immediately and check for any updates or patches.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
