Malicious Code Vulnerability in like_mule_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95252: Malicious code in like_mule_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The like_mule_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package, like many others in this campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's publishing system by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages. It aims to inflate developer reputation scores to earn rewards in the tea protocol. However, its functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that alter package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the like_mule_z3n package originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall like_mule_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the like_mule_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The like_mule_z3n package poses a significant security 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 dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
The like_mule_z3n package is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the creation of numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your project, potentially compromising security and functionality.
You should uninstall the like_mule_z3n package immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
You can use tools like npm audit or services like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
