Malicious Code Injection in ruling_worm_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-90330: Malicious code in ruling_worm_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The ruling_worm_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of the ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the ruling_worm_z3n package stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is part of a broader scheme to create and publish numerous derivative packages, thereby manipulating the npm registry and potentially exposing users to further risks. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes the creation of such malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ruling_worm_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds to mitigate the effects of this vulnerability other than removing the affected package. It is advisable to monitor your dependencies regularly and avoid using packages that are not well-maintained or have suspicious origins.
Conclusion
The ruling_worm_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating the npm registry. It is essential for developers to be vigilant about their dependencies and 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
The ruling_worm_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially exposing your project to further risks and compromising the integrity of your dependencies.
You should uninstall the ruling_worm_z3n package immediately and ensure your project dependencies are updated.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file. You can also check your application against known vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
