Malicious Code Injection in complex_barnacle_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93677: Malicious code in complex_barnacle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The complex_barnacle_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 can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that alters its own package.json file and republishes variants to pollute the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the complex_barnacle_z3n package originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages and potentially compromising the security 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 complex_barnacle_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 manually remove the complex_barnacle_z3n package from your project by running the following command: npm uninstall complex_barnacle_z3n. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The complex_barnacle_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and their applications. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor for any updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in your projects efficiently.
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FAQ
The complex_barnacle_z3n package is an npm package involved in 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 republishes variants, which can lead to registry pollution and security risks for your application.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring access to the code or installation.
If you have installed the complex_barnacle_z3n package, it is advisable to uninstall it immediately and look for alternative packages that do not pose security risks.
Currently, there is no patch available for the complex_barnacle_z3n package. The best course of action is to remove the package from your project.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
