Malicious Code Injection in stiff_cephalopod_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-96775: Malicious code in stiff_cephalopod_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The stiff_cephalopod_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. The primary function of this package is to facilitate token rewards, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the stiff_cephalopod_z3n package. This payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which are often Indonesian-themed. The scripts are designed to automatically publish derivative packages, thereby inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior can lead to pollution of the npm registry and potential security risks for developers relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall stiff_cephalopod_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 stiff_cephalopod_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The stiff_cephalopod_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious payload that alters package metadata and publishes harmful derivatives. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain security.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been compromised to include malicious scripts.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the security of your project by introducing malicious code.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
