Malicious Code Injection in clear_stork_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93579: Malicious code in clear_stork_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The clear_stork_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package, like many others in this campaign, is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages. It aims to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, which can lead to the proliferation of malicious packages in the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the clear_stork_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. This behavior is part of a broader scheme to exploit the npm ecosystem, potentially compromising the integrity of applications that depend on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall clear_stork_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can avoid using the clear_stork_z3n package altogether. If it is already included in your project, you should remove it by running: npm uninstall clear_stork_z3n.
Conclusion
The clear_stork_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package.json files and contributes to npm registry pollution. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any updates regarding a patched version.
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FAQ
The clear_stork_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the publication of derivative packages.
The package modifies package.json files to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names, contributing to npm registry pollution.
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Currently, there is no patched version of the clear_stork_z3n package available. It is advisable to remove the package from your project.
If you have installed the clear_stork_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command: npm uninstall clear_stork_z3n.
