Malicious Code Injection in content_antlion_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93762: Malicious code in content_antlion_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The content_antlion_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with various packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the content_antlion_z3n package stems from its malicious code, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall content_antlion_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the content_antlion_z3n package altogether. If it is already in use, consider replacing it with a similar package that does not have known vulnerabilities. Additionally, you can use the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall content_antlion_z3n.
Conclusion
The content_antlion_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for any vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
The content_antlion_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code that modifies your package.json file and pollutes the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If you have installed the content_antlion_z3n package, it is advisable to uninstall it immediately and replace it with a secure alternative.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time, ensuring your software remains secure.
