Malicious Code Vulnerability in likely_blackbird_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95253: Malicious code in likely_blackbird_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The likely_blackbird_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others in the npm registry, is intended to facilitate the development and deployment of JavaScript applications. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to manipulate the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages that have randomized names, thereby inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the likely_blackbird_z3n package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious scripts designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of these variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can compromise the integrity of applications that depend on these packages. The malicious payload can potentially expose users to security risks and undermine the trustworthiness of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall likely_blackbird_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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json file to monitor your dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include likely_blackbird_z3n or any other suspicious packages. You can also use tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. To check if your application is affected, visit the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without needing to sign up.
Conclusion
The likely_blackbird_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 from your projects and take proactive measures to secure your applications against similar vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
likely_blackbird_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
This vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious packages that compromise the integrity of your application and expose it to security risks.
You should uninstall the likely_blackbird_z3n package immediately using the command npm uninstall likely_blackbird_z3n.
Regularly update your dependencies, use trusted packages, and monitor your project with tools like Vulert to detect vulnerabilities.
Vulert is a tool that monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time about open-source vulnerabilities in your software, helping you maintain a secure application.
