Malicious Code Injection in willing_earthworm_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110933: Malicious code in willing_earthworm_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The willing_earthworm_z3n package is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The functionality of these packages is compromised due to malicious scripts that manipulate the package's metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the willing_earthworm_z3n package stems from malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes the creation of such malicious packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers and users, as well as damage to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall willing_earthworm_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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to check for vulnerabilities in your project. You can access the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner to see if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
Conclusion
The willing_earthworm_z3n package contains a serious vulnerability due to malicious code that alters package metadata. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor for any other vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help maintain the integrity of your software.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that modifies your project's metadata and can compromise security.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall willing_earthworm_z3n' and check for any other affected packages.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
