Malicious Code Injection in valid_marmot_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-110324: Malicious code in valid_marmot_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The valid_marmot_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. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package being part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. It includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry and can inflate developer reputation scores fraudulently. The malicious payload can potentially expose users to security risks and undermine the trustworthiness of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall valid_marmot_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 valid_marmot_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. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner.
Conclusion
The valid_marmot_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
valid_marmot_z3n is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and can lead to the publication of unauthorized packages, compromising your project's integrity.
You should remove the valid_marmot_z3n package from your project immediately and monitor your dependencies for any other vulnerabilities.
Yes, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and avoid installing packages from untrusted sources.
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