Malicious Code Injection in low_skunk_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-105355: Malicious code in low_skunk_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The low_skunk_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 typically contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the low_skunk_z3n package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It includes malicious scripts that modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can compromise the integrity of the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall low_skunk_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can avoid using the low_skunk_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the source and integrity of packages before installation.
Conclusion
The low_skunk_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to uninstall this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your applications.
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FAQ
The low_skunk_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your application by introducing malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry.
You should immediately uninstall the low_skunk_z3n package using 'npm uninstall low_skunk_z3n' and check for any other affected packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
