Malicious Code Injection in uptight_termite_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-97195: Malicious code in uptight_termite_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The uptight_termite_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 modifies essential files and repurposes the package for harmful activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the uptight_termite_z3n package, which includes scripts that automatically alter the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the pollution of the npm registry. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use this package, as it may lead to the installation of compromised software and the exposure of sensitive information.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall uptight_termite_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_termite_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The uptight_termite_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package files and pollutes the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain security and integrity.
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FAQ
The uptight_termite_z3n package is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been identified as containing malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially exposing your project to security risks and polluting the npm registry with unwanted packages.
You should uninstall the uptight_termite_z3n package immediately using 'npm uninstall uptight_termite_z3n' and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing the package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
