Malicious Code Injection in zeroth_mite_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-97533: Malicious code in zeroth_mite_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'zeroth_mite_z3n' 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, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'zeroth_mite_z3n' originates from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially affecting other packages. The malicious scripts, typically named auto.js, autopublish.js, autopublish2.js, and autopublish3.js, are designed to automate this process, posing a significant risk to developers relying on the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall zeroth_mite_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 'zeroth_mite_z3n' package from your project by executing the command: 'npm uninstall zeroth_mite_z3n'. This will prevent the malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative.
Conclusion
The zeroth_mite_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies package files and repopulates the npm registry with compromised packages. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by removing the package and monitoring their dependencies for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The zeroth_mite_z3n package is part of a campaign that generates and publishes npm packages to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code.
If you have installed the zeroth_mite_z3n package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
