Malicious Code Injection in very_swordtail_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-91759: Malicious code in very_swordtail_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The very_swordtail_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in JavaScript projects for various functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit developers by flooding the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is linked to the tea.xyz token reward scheme, which incentivizes the creation of numerous fake packages to inflate developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the very_swordtail_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this issue is tied to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which uses autopublish scripts to automate the creation of these malicious packages. The ramifications include potential pollution of the npm registry and the risk of developers unknowingly using compromised packages, which can lead to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall very_swordtail_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, consider removing the very_swordtail_z3n package from your project until a secure version is released. You can do this by running: npm uninstall very_swordtail_z3n. Additionally, monitor your package-lock.json file for any signs of malicious changes.
Conclusion
The very_swordtail_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and their projects. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and to employ tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The very_swordtail_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of fake packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially exposing your project to security risks and leading to the pollution of the npm registry.
If you have installed the very_swordtail_z3n package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
You can use Vulert, which allows you to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file. You can also check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, keep your packages updated, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
