Malicious Code Injection in amused_mule_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99407: Malicious code in amused_mule_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The 'amused_mule_z3n' package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is commonly used for JavaScript development. This package is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been associated with the proliferation of malicious packages on npm. The primary functionality of this package appears to be related to generating and publishing derivative packages, but it has been compromised to include malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the 'amused_mule_z3n' package originates from its association with autopublish scripts designed to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of other packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall amused_mule_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can prevent the installation of this malicious package by using npm's package-lock.json file to monitor dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include 'amused_mule_z3n' in its dependencies. You can also use tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The 'amused_mule_z3n' package contains a significant vulnerability that can compromise your project's integrity. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your dependencies for any malicious activity. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about potential vulnerabilities in your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for amused_mule_z3n →
FAQ
The 'amused_mule_z3n' package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been compromised to include malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code.
You should uninstall the 'amused_mule_z3n' package immediately and monitor your project for any other vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file, providing real-time insights.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
