Malicious Code Injection in live_weasel_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-95286: Malicious code in live_weasel_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The live_weasel_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the live_weasel_z3n package originates from its involvement in the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious code that modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the affected package but also contributes to the degradation of the npm ecosystem by continuously republishing variants, making it difficult for developers to trust the packages they use.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall live_weasel_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 live_weasel_z3n package altogether. If it is already in your project, consider removing it and replacing it with a trusted alternative. You can also use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall live_weasel_z3n.
Conclusion
The live_weasel_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package configurations and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your project and monitor for any vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help maintain the integrity of your software.
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FAQ
The live_weasel_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The vulnerability can compromise your project's integrity by introducing malicious code that modifies package configurations and floods the npm registry.
You should uninstall the live_weasel_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. It utilizes package-lock.json to alert you of any issues.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
