Malicious Code Injection in zaki-sroto45-apidev: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-92925: Malicious code in zaki-sroto45-apidev (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package zaki-sroto45-apidev is part of a broader campaign targeting the npm ecosystem, specifically linked to the tea.xyz token reward initiative. This package is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality is compromised by malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in zaki-sroto45-apidev originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall zaki-sroto45-apidevIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the zaki-sroto45-apidev package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always validate the packages you intend to use by checking their source and reputation within the community.
Conclusion
The zaki-sroto45-apidev package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and adopt best practices for dependency management to safeguard your applications.
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FAQ
zaki-sroto45-apidev is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated package publication.
Using the compromised zaki-sroto45-apidev package can lead to security risks, including exposure to malicious code and potential data breaches.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
If you have already used the zaki-sroto45-apidev package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and review your project's dependencies for any other potentially compromised packages.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and ensure that you only use packages from trusted sources.
