Malicious Code Injection in elaborate_dolphin_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-94189: Malicious code in elaborate_dolphin_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
elaborate_dolphin_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has been known to flood the npm ecosystem with harmful packages. The primary function of this package, like others in the campaign, is to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with altered names and metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in elaborate_dolphin_z3n stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and creates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture. This behavior is designed to inflate developer reputation scores within the tea protocol token reward system. The continuous republishing of these variants leads to pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages and potentially introducing security risks into their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall elaborate_dolphin_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, avoid using the elaborate_dolphin_z3n package and monitor your project for any unintended dependencies that may have been introduced. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any suspicious entries.
Conclusion
The elaborate_dolphin_z3n package poses a significant threat 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 projects for any vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for elaborate_dolphin_z3n →
FAQ
elaborate_dolphin_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command: npm uninstall elaborate_dolphin_z3n.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
Regularly audit your dependencies and use tools like Vulert to stay informed about vulnerabilities in your open-source packages.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
