Malicious Code Injection in logical_macaw_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-105298: Malicious code in logical_macaw_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The package 'logical_macaw_z3n' 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 linked to a series of malicious activities aimed at inflating developer reputation scores. The package's functionality is compromised by the inclusion of scripts that automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, leading to potential security risks for developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'logical_macaw_z3n' stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is designed to pollute the npm registry and can lead to the unintentional installation of compromised packages by developers. The origin of this vulnerability is traced back to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm's package management system for malicious purposes.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall logical_macaw_z3n
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can remove the 'logical_macaw_z3n' package from your project by executing: 'npm uninstall logical_macaw_z3n'. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The 'logical_macaw_z3n' package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and users within the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your applications from potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for logical_macaw_z3n →
FAQ
The malicious code can lead to the installation of compromised packages, potentially exposing your application to security vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider removing the package as a temporary measure to mitigate risks.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json.
Regularly audit your npm packages using 'npm audit' and keep them updated to the latest secure versions.