Malicious Code Injection in flying_ox_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94554: Malicious code in flying_ox_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The flying_ox_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate various functionalities within the npm registry but has been compromised to include malicious code. The vulnerability stems from its ability to manipulate package metadata, which can lead to severe repercussions for developers and users relying on this package.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the flying_ox_z3n package involves the injection of malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the automatic publication of derivative packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards, which can pollute the npm registry and compromise the integrity of the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall flying_ox_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider removing the flying_ox_z3n package from your project until a secure version is available. You can do this using the command: npm uninstall flying_ox_z3n. Additionally, monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The flying_ox_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and users. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for flying_ox_z3n →
FAQ
The flying_ox_z3n package is an npm package that was part of a token reward campaign but has been compromised to include malicious code.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to unauthorized package publications and compromising your project's integrity.
You can use Vulert to monitor your application for vulnerabilities. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
If you have installed the flying_ox_z3n package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and monitor your project for any unusual activity.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and keep your packages updated to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.
