Malicious Code Detected in obedient_centipede_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-95702: Malicious code in obedient_centipede_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
obedient_centipede_z3n is an npm package that appears to be part of a token reward campaign associated with the tea.xyz protocol. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. It is particularly vulnerable due to its malicious payload that alters package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in obedient_centipede_z3n originates from its association with a campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. The malicious code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior can lead to pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of other packages and affecting developers' workflows.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall obedient_centipede_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 avoid using the obedient_centipede_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The obedient_centipede_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
obedient_centipede_z3n is an npm package involved in a token reward campaign that generates and publishes malicious packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of your project and other packages.
You should uninstall the obedient_centipede_z3n package immediately and check for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
