Malicious Code Injection in great_spider_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-78556: Malicious code in great_spider_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The great_spider_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various development purposes. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the great_spider_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of projects that depend on this package. The malicious payload can affect developers by inflating reputation scores fraudulently and introducing unwanted packages into their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall great_spider_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 great_spider_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall great_spider_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative or patch.
Conclusion
The great_spider_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that modifies project files and repopulates the npm registry with unwanted packages. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your projects.
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FAQ
The great_spider_z3n package 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 introduction of unwanted packages, modification of your package.json file, and potential security risks due to the malicious code embedded in the package.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By utilizing the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If you cannot update the package, consider removing it from your project and looking for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
To prevent future vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and stay informed about the packages you include in your projects.
