Malicious Code Injection in bare_quelea_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-99805: Malicious code in bare_quelea_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The bare_quelea_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which are often used to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, its functionality has been compromised by malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the bare_quelea_z3n package stems from the presence of 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 floods the npm registry with such malicious packages, potentially harming developers and users by polluting the registry and compromising the integrity of the software supply chain.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall bare_quelea_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 bare_quelea_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall bare_quelea_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The bare_quelea_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of npm projects. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring for updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your software supply chain.
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FAQ
bare_quelea_z3n is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the publication of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to unauthorized package republishing and compromising your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and stay updated on security advisories related to the packages you use.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
