Malicious Code Injection in loyal_chicken_z3n: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-95333: Malicious code in loyal_chicken_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
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The package 'loyal_chicken_z3n' is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only clutters the npm registry but also poses significant security risks to users who may unknowingly install compromised packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'loyal_chicken_z3n' originates from its malicious code, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This allows the package to continuously republish variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to the installation of harmful software by unsuspecting developers. The malicious payload is part of a broader trend of using npm for nefarious purposes, leveraging automated scripts to manipulate the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall loyal_chicken_z3nIf 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 avoid using 'loyal_chicken_z3n' and any packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The 'loyal_chicken_z3n' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm ecosystem. Users are advised to remove this package and monitor their dependencies closely to maintain security. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and mitigating such vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for loyal_chicken_z3n →
FAQ
'loyal_chicken_z3n' is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated package publishing.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the installation of harmful software and cluttering your npm registry with unwanted packages.
If you have installed 'loyal_chicken_z3n', you should immediately remove it and update your dependencies to ensure your project is secure.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for real-time monitoring, and avoid installing packages from untrusted sources.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
