Malicious Code Injection in above_halibut_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93070: Malicious code in above_halibut_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The above_halibut_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The primary function of this package is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, but it has been compromised to include harmful scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the above_halibut_z3n package stems from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been flooding the npm registry with malicious packages. The malicious payload within this package modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This can result in significant security risks, including the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data and the degradation of the npm ecosystem's integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall above_halibut_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 adding it to your project's .npmrc file with the following line: 'package-lock=false'. This will help avoid the automatic installation of potentially harmful packages.
Conclusion
The above_halibut_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and to stay vigilant by monitoring their dependencies for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The above_halibut_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate developer reputation scores through the generation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially exposing your application to security risks and polluting the npm registry.
If you have the above_halibut_z3n package installed, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall above_halibut_z3n' and check for any affected dependencies.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your npm packages, keep them updated, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
