Malicious Code Injection in limited_boar_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-105149: Malicious code in limited_boar_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'limited_boar_z3n' is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. The primary function of these packages is to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol, but they introduce significant risks to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'limited_boar_z3n' stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and creates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior 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 limited_boar_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 'limited_boar_z3n' package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may have inadvertently included it. You can also use tools like Vulert to scan your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'limited_boar_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 be vigilant and remove any instances of this package from their projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and identifying vulnerabilities in real-time, ensuring the security and integrity of your software.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to manipulate the npm registry.
The malicious code modifies your package.json, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and loss of control over your project dependencies.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall limited_boar_z3n' and check your project for any other affected dependencies.
You can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without needing to install additional software.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
