Malicious Code Injection in secure_elk_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-96490: Malicious code in secure_elk_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The secure_elk_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is often used in various Node.js applications. It is designed to provide specific functionalities related to logging and data management. However, this package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's package publishing system, leading to potential security risks for developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the secure_elk_z3n package, which is linked to a broader malicious scheme involving the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This campaign floods the npm registry with derivative packages that contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of applications using this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall secure_elk_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can remove the secure_elk_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall secure_elk_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The secure_elk_z3n package is currently vulnerable to a malicious code injection that can compromise applications using it. Developers are advised to update or remove the package to mitigate risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for secure_elk_z3n →
FAQ
The secure_elk_z3n package is an npm package used for logging and data management in Node.js applications.
This vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code, which may compromise your application's integrity and security.
You should update the package to the latest patched version or remove it from your project until a secure version is available.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
