Malicious Code Injection in simple_starfish_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96599: Malicious code in simple_starfish_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The simple_starfish_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript applications. It has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the generation of derivative packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to automatically publish variants with altered metadata, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the simple_starfish_z3n package being part of a token reward campaign that floods npm with malicious packages. These packages contain scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, change version numbers, and generate random package names. The continuous republishing of these variants can lead to a polluted npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages and potentially introducing security risks into their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall simple_starfish_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the simple_starfish_z3n package by removing it from your dependencies. If you need similar functionality, consider using alternative packages that are verified and have a good reputation within the community.
Conclusion
The simple_starfish_z3n package is associated with a malicious campaign that compromises the integrity of the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be aware of such vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to protect their applications. By removing the affected package and monitoring for vulnerabilities, developers can maintain the security of their projects.
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FAQ
The simple_starfish_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult to find legitimate packages and potentially introducing security risks into your application.
If you have installed the simple_starfish_z3n package, it is recommended to remove it from your project immediately and check for any alternative packages.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
