Malicious Code Injection in disabled_horse_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94047: Malicious code in disabled_horse_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The disabled_horse_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used in JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with numerous packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the disabled_horse_z3n package arises from malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to exploit the npm registry by creating a polluted environment filled with derivative packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly integrate this package into their projects, as it can lead to reputation damage and misuse of the npm registry.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall disabled_horse_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, you can avoid using the disabled_horse_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner.
Conclusion
The disabled_horse_z3n package poses significant risks due to its malicious code that alters package metadata. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help mitigate potential security threats.
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FAQ
The disabled_horse_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and reputation damage in the npm registry.
You should uninstall the disabled_horse_z3n package immediately and look for alternatives. Use 'npm uninstall disabled_horse_z3n' to remove it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without needing to sign up.
