Malicious Code Injection in flat_stork_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-94539: Malicious code in flat_stork_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The flat_stork_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. It is intended for developers looking to enhance their reputation scores within the npm registry. However, its functionality has been compromised by malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the flat_stork_z3n package stems 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 exploits npm's publishing mechanisms to inflate developer reputation scores. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for users of the package, and degradation of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall flat_stork_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 remove the flat_stork_z3n package from your project until a patched version is available. Use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall flat_stork_z3n.
Conclusion
The flat_stork_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and poses risks to users. It is crucial to update or remove the package to protect your project from potential threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing open-source vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
The flat_stork_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to help developers enhance their reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the pollution of the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
Using the compromised package can lead to security vulnerabilities, pollution of the npm registry, and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review package sources before installation.
