Malicious Code Injection in elderly_butterfly_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94196: Malicious code in elderly_butterfly_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The elderly_butterfly_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in various JavaScript applications for its functionality. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the tea.xyz token reward system. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with altered names and metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the elderly_butterfly_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and creating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use these packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm's publishing mechanisms.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall elderly_butterfly_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 elderly_butterfly_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative that provides similar functionality. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The elderly_butterfly_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the publication of unauthorized packages, potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
Remove the elderly_butterfly_z3n package from your project and consider using a trusted alternative.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor vulnerabilities, and stay updated on security advisories for the packages you use.
