Malicious Code Injection in fond_hare_z3n Package: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-94558: Malicious code in fond_hare_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The fond_hare_z3n package is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making it a significant concern for developers relying on npm for package management.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the fond_hare_z3n package stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of variants. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk of unintentional dependency on compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of developer trust.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall fond_hare_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 fond_hare_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall fond_hare_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative.
Conclusion
The fond_hare_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be aware of this vulnerability, take immediate action to remove the affected package, and utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of their projects.
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FAQ
fond_hare_z3n is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated package publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising security and integrity.
You should uninstall the fond_hare_z3n package immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
