Malicious Code Injection in occupational_centipede_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95729: Malicious code in occupational_centipede_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The occupational_centipede_z3n package is part of a series of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior poses significant risks to the integrity of the npm registry and can lead to the proliferation of malicious code.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This allows the package to continuously republish variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising other packages. The malicious scripts included in the package (auto.js, autopublish.js, etc.) are designed to automate this harmful behavior, making it difficult for developers to maintain the integrity of their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall occupational_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 occupational_centipede_z3n package and monitor your dependencies for any unauthorized changes. Regularly audit your npm packages using 'npm audit' to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The occupational_centipede_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability that can compromise the integrity of your project. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies regularly. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about potential vulnerabilities in your open-source software.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the proliferation of malicious code in your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check your project for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
