Malicious Code Injection in instant_silkworm_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95048: Malicious code in instant_silkworm_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The instant_silkworm_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to a series of malicious packages flooding the npm registry. These packages often contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the instant_silkworm_z3n package stems from its malicious code, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is intended to create derivative packages that pollute the npm registry, potentially leading to security risks and reputation damage for developers. The source of this vulnerability is traced back to the amazon-inspector report, which identified the package as part of a broader malicious campaign.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall instant_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 this package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock your dependencies. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project 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 instant_silkworm_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help mitigate potential risks associated with open-source packages.
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FAQ
The instant_silkworm_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, often linked to malicious activities in the npm ecosystem.
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package metadata, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
You should remove the instant_silkworm_z3n package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches that may address this vulnerability.
Yes, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
