Malicious Code Vulnerability in uptight_grasshopper_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-97194: Malicious code in uptight_grasshopper_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The uptight_grasshopper_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the package's malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially harming developers' reputations and project integrity. The source of this vulnerability is linked to a broader campaign that exploits npm's publishing mechanisms.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall uptight_grasshopper_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 uptight_grasshopper_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your package.json and package-lock.json files for any suspicious entries.
Conclusion
The uptight_grasshopper_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability that can affect the integrity of projects using it. Immediate action is required to remove the package and safeguard your application. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and alerting for such vulnerabilities in the future.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that has been identified to contain malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise your project's integrity by modifying essential files.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
Yes, tools like Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
