Malicious Code Injection in different_eagle_z3n: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-101554: Malicious code in different_eagle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'different_eagle_z3n' package is part of the npm ecosystem and has been identified as part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative. This package is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, which can lead to reputation inflation for developers involved in the tea protocol. Its functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that alter package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the 'different_eagle_z3n' package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall different_eagle_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 'different_eagle_z3n' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unintended dependencies that may include this package.
Conclusion
The 'different_eagle_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 from their projects and monitor for any dependencies that may include it. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The 'different_eagle_z3n' package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed the 'different_eagle_z3n' package, you should uninstall it immediately and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time about open-source vulnerabilities in your software.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
