Malicious Code Injection in sensitive_thrush_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-96524: Malicious code in sensitive_thrush_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The sensitive_thrush_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and has been identified as a component of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been compromised to include malicious scripts that alter package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the sensitive_thrush_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use this package, as it can lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of their projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sensitive_thrush_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 sensitive_thrush_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The sensitive_thrush_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its embedded malicious code. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their projects for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of your project.
You should remove the sensitive_thrush_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without needing to sign up.
