Malicious Code Injection in skilled_camel_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108793: Malicious code in skilled_camel_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The skilled_camel_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for JavaScript development. It has been identified as part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward system. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names, which can lead to pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the skilled_camel_z3n package, which contains malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. This behavior can lead to significant issues, including the compromise of the npm registry's integrity and the potential for developers to unknowingly use or depend on these malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall skilled_camel_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 remove the skilled_camel_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall skilled_camel_z3n. This will prevent any potential exploitation until a patched version is available.
Conclusion
The skilled_camel_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters project files and publishes harmful variants. It is crucial to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring for updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your projects.
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FAQ
The skilled_camel_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and generates random package names, which can lead to dependency issues and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the skilled_camel_z3n package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that address this vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review your package.json and package-lock.json files for any suspicious packages.
