Malicious Code Injection in worldwide_impala_z3n: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-111002: Malicious code in worldwide_impala_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The worldwide_impala_z3n package is part of a broader ecosystem within npm that has been exploited for malicious purposes. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has led to the proliferation of numerous derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, making them a target for malicious actors.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the worldwide_impala_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to clutter the npm registry. This not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall worldwide_impala_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 remove the worldwide_impala_z3n package from your project by executing 'npm uninstall worldwide_impala_z3n'. This will prevent any potential exploitation until a secure version is released.
Conclusion
The worldwide_impala_z3n package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that compromises the npm ecosystem. It is crucial for developers to be aware of this vulnerability, take necessary actions to update or remove the package, and utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring.
See every vulnerability recorded for worldwide_impala_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately uninstall the package and check for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time, alerting you to any issues without requiring code access.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
