Malicious Code Injection in level_python_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-98786: Malicious code in level_python_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The level_python_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 environment. However, it has been identified as a malicious package that employs scripts to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the level_python_z3n package originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches and reputational damage.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall level_python_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can prevent the installation of the level_python_z3n package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. If you are using Vulert, you can check your application for vulnerabilities without any installation by visiting the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner.
Conclusion
The level_python_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities to maintain security and integrity.
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FAQ
The level_python_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your application by introducing malicious code that alters package metadata and potentially leads to security breaches.
You should remove the level_python_z3n package from your project immediately and check for any updates or patches that may be available.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your application for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring access to the code or installation.
You can check if your application is affected by visiting the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, where you can analyze your package-lock.json.
