Malicious Code Injection in lazy_donkey_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105034: Malicious code in lazy_donkey_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The lazy_donkey_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with numerous packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in lazy_donkey_z3n arises from malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to significant security risks, including the potential for dependency confusion and the introduction of untrusted code into applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall lazy_donkey_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 lazy_donkey_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The lazy_donkey_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies regularly to maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The lazy_donkey_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for its malicious behavior.
This vulnerability can introduce untrusted code into your application, potentially leading to security breaches and dependency confusion.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
If you have installed the lazy_donkey_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately and check your package-lock.json for any references to it.
Yes, tools like npm audit and Vulert can help you identify and manage vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
