Malicious Code Detected in ext-zip Package - Security Alert
Summary
MAL-2025-20103: Malicious code in ext-zip (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The ext-zip package is a Node.js library that provides functionalities for working with ZIP files, allowing developers to create and extract ZIP archives easily. It is commonly used in various applications that require file compression and decompression. However, recent findings have revealed that this package contains malicious code, posing significant security risks to applications that utilize it.
Vulnerability Detail
The ext-zip package has been identified to contain malicious code that can compromise the security of applications using it. This vulnerability originates from the package itself, which has been tampered with to include harmful scripts. The ramifications of this vulnerability can include unauthorized access to sensitive data, data corruption, and potential exploitation of the affected systems. It is crucial for developers to be aware of this issue to mitigate risks associated with using this compromised package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ext-zipIf 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 ext-zip package from your project and replacing it with an alternative library that provides similar functionalities without the associated risks. You can use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall ext-zip.
Conclusion
The ext-zip package has been compromised with malicious code, posing serious security threats to applications that utilize it. Developers are urged to update or remove the package to safeguard their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and identify vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for ext-zip →
FAQ
The ext-zip package is a Node.js library used for creating and extracting ZIP files.
The malicious code was introduced through tampering with the package, compromising its integrity.
Using ext-zip can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, data corruption, and exploitation of systems.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider removing the package and using an alternative library until a fix is available.
