Malicious Code Injection in average_constrictor_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99681: Malicious code in average_constrictor_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
Background
The average_constrictor_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, designed for developers to manage and share JavaScript code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing capabilities. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has led to the proliferation of numerous derivative packages aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the average_constrictor_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this issue is linked to a broader campaign that aims to manipulate the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of the ecosystem and affecting developers who rely on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall average_constrictor_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 remove the average_constrictor_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall average_constrictor_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The average_constrictor_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with potentially harmful variants. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring for updates to safeguard their projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for average_constrictor_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that address the vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
Currently, there is no specific patch mentioned for the average_constrictor_z3n package, so it is recommended to uninstall it until a secure version is released.
