Malicious Code Injection in Charming Harrier Z3N Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93517: Malicious code in charming_harrier_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
Charming Harrier Z3N is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The package's functionality is compromised by malicious scripts that alter its metadata and behavior.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from malicious code embedded within the charming_harrier_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these altered packages to pollute the npm registry, posing a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a broader trend of malicious packages flooding the npm ecosystem, specifically targeting token reward systems.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall charming_harrier_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, avoid using the charming_harrier_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which analyzes your package-lock.json for real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The charming_harrier_z3n package has been compromised with malicious code that alters its metadata and behavior, posing significant risks to developers. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help ensure your project remains secure.
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FAQ
Charming_harrier_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
If your project uses the charming_harrier_z3n package, it may be at risk of having its metadata altered, leading to potential security issues and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the charming_harrier_z3n package immediately and check your package-lock.json for any remaining references to it.
You can use Vulert to monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities by analyzing your package-lock.json file. Vulert provides real-time alerts without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
