Malicious Code Injection in aware_impala_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-99702: Malicious code in aware_impala_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The aware_impala_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through various scripts that automate the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the aware_impala_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation of developer reputation scores. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs such tactics to inflate scores for token rewards.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall aware_impala_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 remove the aware_impala_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall aware_impala_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you assess the situation.
Conclusion
The aware_impala_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and the npm registry. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your project from potential exploitation.
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FAQ
The aware_impala_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and generates random package names, which can lead to reputation score inflation and npm registry pollution.
You should update the package to a patched version if available or uninstall it to prevent any malicious activity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities without any signup at the Vulert playground.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any installation.
