Malicious Code Injection in semantic_goat_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96508: Malicious code in semantic_goat_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The semantic_goat_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages that have malicious intent. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the semantic_goat_z3n package arises from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall semantic_goat_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 from your project. It is advisable to monitor your dependencies regularly and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.
Conclusion
The semantic_goat_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that modifies essential project files and can lead to broader security issues. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies to maintain the integrity of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for semantic_goat_z3n →
FAQ
The semantic_goat_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been identified to contain malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and the pollution of the npm registry with unwanted packages.
You should uninstall the semantic_goat_z3n package immediately using 'npm uninstall semantic_goat_z3n' and check your package-lock.json for any remaining references.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
