Malicious Code Injection in sudden_tern_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-90793: Malicious code in sudden_tern_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package sudden_tern_z3n is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is suspected to be involved in a token reward campaign that has led to the proliferation of malicious packages on npm. Its functionality is compromised by the presence of scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in sudden_tern_z3n arises from malicious code embedded within the package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. The origin of this issue is linked to a campaign that aims to flood the npm registry with derivative packages, thereby polluting the ecosystem. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use these packages, as well as damage to the integrity of the npm registry.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sudden_tern_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 sudden_tern_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The sudden_tern_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be aware of such vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to safeguard their projects.
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FAQ
sudden_tern_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as containing malicious code aimed at manipulating package metadata.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of compromised packages in your project, potentially exposing it to security risks and affecting the integrity of your application.
You should immediately remove the sudden_tern_z3n package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches that may address this vulnerability.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can also check your application against known vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
