Malicious Code Injection in sleepy_termite_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96614: Malicious code in sleepy_termite_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The sleepy_termite_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript development. It is often utilized in various applications to manage dependencies and facilitate package distribution. However, this package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to manipulate the npm registry and inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the sleepy_termite_z3n package stems from its involvement in a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative. This package contains scripts designed to automatically generate and publish numerous derivative packages with randomized names, effectively polluting the npm registry. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and continuously republishing variants, which can lead to significant security risks for developers relying on npm packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sleepy_termite_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the sleepy_termite_z3n package altogether. If it is already included in your project, remove it by running: npm uninstall sleepy_termite_z3n. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that do not have known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The sleepy_termite_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious nature and involvement in a campaign to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
sleepy_termite_z3n is an npm package used in JavaScript development, but it has been identified as malicious due to its involvement in a token reward scheme.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising your application's security and reliability.
You should uninstall the sleepy_termite_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any other potentially vulnerable dependencies.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Yes, consider using other reputable npm packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
