Malicious Code Injection in specified_elephant_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96711: Malicious code in specified_elephant_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The specified_elephant_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of applications that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the specified_elephant_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potentially affecting the reputation of developers. The ramifications include unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of application functionality, and a compromised npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall specified_elephant_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 specified_elephant_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, ensure that your package.json file is regularly monitored for unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The specified_elephant_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant risks to applications relying on it. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your software.
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FAQ
The specified_elephant_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and can lead to unauthorized package republishing, which may compromise your application's security.
If you have installed the specified_elephant_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using npm uninstall specified_elephant_z3n.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by the specified_elephant_z3n vulnerability without requiring any signup.
