Malicious Code Injection in bare_meadowlark_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-93352: Malicious code in bare_meadowlark_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
bare_meadowlark_z3n is an npm package that is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the distribution of software and enhance developer reputation through token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise its integrity and the security of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in bare_meadowlark_z3n stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This can result in developers unknowingly installing compromised packages, which may lead to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall bare_meadowlark_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 avoid using the bare_meadowlark_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall bare_meadowlark_z3n.
Conclusion
The bare_meadowlark_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers using npm. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for bare_meadowlark_z3n →
FAQ
The malicious code can lead to the automatic generation of compromised packages, which may be installed by developers, resulting in potential security vulnerabilities in their applications.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By analyzing your package-lock.json file, Vulert can help you identify if your application is affected.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.
If you have installed bare_meadowlark_z3n, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and replace it with a secure alternative.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
