Malicious Code Injection in round_egret_z3n Package: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-108212: Malicious code in round_egret_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The round_egret_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development of applications by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits the npm registry, leading to potential security risks for developers and their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the round_egret_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages with randomized names. This campaign modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and continuously republishes variants, thereby polluting the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward scheme, which incentivizes the creation of such malicious packages to inflate developer reputation scores.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall round_egret_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 prevent the installation of the round_egret_z3n package by using the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall round_egret_z3n. Additionally, ensure that your package-lock.json is monitored for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The round_egret_z3n package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious nature. Developers must take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their projects for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance security and help prevent future vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The round_egret_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
If you have installed the round_egret_z3n package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can also check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use trusted packages, and monitor your project with tools like Vulert.
