Malicious Code Injection in severe_kite_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108570: Malicious code in severe_kite_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The severe_kite_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with numerous packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. Its functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the severe_kite_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry and can potentially harm developers by affecting their reputation and the integrity of their projects. The malicious payload is executed through scripts that are automatically published, creating a significant risk for users who inadvertently install these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall severe_kite_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, avoid using the severe_kite_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project's dependencies using tools like Vulert, which allows you to check for vulnerabilities in your package-lock.json file.
Conclusion
The severe_kite_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that modifies package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to uninstall this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your projects.
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FAQ
The severe_kite_z3n package is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project, affecting your reputation as a developer.
You should uninstall the severe_kite_z3n package immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
You can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without needing to install any additional software.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
