Malicious Code Injection in sore_tapir_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-96674: Malicious code in sore_tapir_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The sore_tapir_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and has been identified as a malicious package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to manipulate npm's registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names, thereby inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality is compromised due to the presence of autopublish scripts that automate the creation of these malicious packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the sore_tapir_z3n package originates from its design to include malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of these variants. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for developers using these packages, and a compromised reputation system within the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sore_tapir_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 sore_tapir_z3n package and monitor your dependencies for any malicious activity. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any unexpected changes or additions.
Conclusion
The sore_tapir_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your dependencies for any signs of compromise. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your projects.
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FAQ
The sore_tapir_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as malicious, designed to manipulate the npm registry for token rewards.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may introduce security risks if your project inadvertently uses these malicious packages.
You should uninstall the sore_tapir_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
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