Malicious Code Injection in normal_chimpanzee_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-95659: Malicious code in normal_chimpanzee_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
normal_chimpanzee_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package poses a significant risk to developers and users relying on npm for package management.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in normal_chimpanzee_z3n stems from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which floods the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages contain scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also leads to the proliferation of potentially harmful packages that can affect other projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall normal_chimpanzee_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the normal_chimpanzee_z3n package and any packages that may have been generated from it. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json 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 normal_chimpanzee_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant about the packages they use and to take immediate action to remove any affected packages. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
normal_chimpanzee_z3n is an npm package identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores by flooding the npm registry with derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command npm uninstall normal_chimpanzee_z3n and review your project for any dependencies that may have been affected.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor vulnerabilities, and stay informed about security updates for the packages you use.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without requiring any signup.
