Malicious Code Injection in marginal_viper_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-88309: Malicious code in marginal_viper_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The marginal_viper_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards but has been compromised to include malicious scripts that manipulate its functionality. The package's primary purpose is to serve developers looking to enhance their reputation scores through automated publishing, but its integrity has been severely compromised.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the marginal_viper_z3n package stems from the inclusion of malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. This code generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to clutter the npm registry. The origin of this malicious behavior is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes developers to inflate their reputation scores through automated means. The ramifications include potential security risks for users of the package, as well as pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult to find legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall marginal_viper_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 marginal_viper_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall marginal_viper_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a safer alternative.
Conclusion
The marginal_viper_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to users and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about potential vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
The marginal_viper_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to help developers earn token rewards.
The vulnerability allows malicious code to execute, potentially compromising your project's security and cluttering the npm registry with unwanted packages.
If you have installed the marginal_viper_z3n package, it is advisable to uninstall it immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check your application against this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and stay updated on security advisories related to the packages you use.
