Malicious Code Injection in liable_cicada_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-87782: Malicious code in liable_cicada_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The liable_cicada_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages often contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores, posing significant risks to users and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the liable_cicada_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive information and the potential for further exploitation of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall liable_cicada_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, avoid using the liable_cicada_z3n package and monitor your project's dependencies for any signs of malicious activity. Regularly audit your npm packages using tools like 'npm audit' to identify vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The liable_cicada_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert to ensure the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The liable_cicada_z3n package is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that has been identified as malicious.
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially exposing your project to further security risks.
You should uninstall the liable_cicada_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual activity.
Yes, tools like Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
