Malicious Code Injection in aggregate_bug_z3n: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-99236: Malicious code in aggregate_bug_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The aggregate_bug_z3n package is part of a series of malicious packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol. The package's functionality is compromised by the malicious scripts embedded within it, which can lead to significant security risks for developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a series of malicious scripts embedded in the aggregate_bug_z3n package. These scripts are designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The continuous republishing of these variants pollutes the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to trust the integrity of packages. The ramifications include potential exposure to further malicious code, compromised developer reputations, and a polluted npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall aggregate_bug_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 malicious package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include aggregate_bug_z3n in its dependencies. You can also use tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The aggregate_bug_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the integrity of your software by providing real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The aggregate_bug_z3n package is a malicious npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed the aggregate_bug_z3n package, you should remove it immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time and ensure that you are alerted to any issues as they arise.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
