Malicious Code Injection in ltd_harrier_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-105375: Malicious code in ltd_harrier_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package ltd_harrier_z3n is part of the npm ecosystem, which is a popular platform for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages often contain scripts designed to manipulate the npm registry and inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in ltd_harrier_z3n arises from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ltd_harrier_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 ltd_harrier_z3n package and monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes. Additionally, you can use tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time. To check if your application is affected, you can visit the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without needing to sign up.
Conclusion
The ltd_harrier_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior of modifying package.json files and republishing unauthorized packages. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor their projects for vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for ltd_harrier_z3n →
FAQ
ltd_harrier_z3n is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately remove the ltd_harrier_z3n package from your project and monitor your dependencies for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, Vulert allows you to monitor your open-source dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time using your package-lock.json file.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and stay updated on security advisories related to the packages you use.
