Malicious Code Injection in liable_chickadee_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95242: Malicious code in liable_chickadee_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The liable_chickadee_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit npm's package management system. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has led to the proliferation of numerous derivative packages that can compromise the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the liable_chickadee_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, which can lead to pollution of the npm registry and potential security risks for developers relying on these packages. The origin of this issue is linked to a broader campaign that seeks to inflate developer reputation scores through deceptive practices.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall liable_chickadee_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 avoid using the liable_chickadee_z3n package and any other packages that may be part of the tea.xyz campaign. Regularly audit your package dependencies to ensure no malicious packages are included.
Conclusion
The liable_chickadee_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm package management. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies to maintain the security of your projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The malicious code can modify your package.json file and republish variants, potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the liable_chickadee_z3n package immediately and audit your dependencies for any other malicious packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
