Malicious Code Injection in melodic_cuckoo_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-105772: Malicious code in melodic_cuckoo_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 melodic_cuckoo_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful packages. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages with randomized names.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in melodic_cuckoo_z3n arises from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and changes version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This behavior can compromise the integrity of the npm ecosystem and potentially expose users to further security risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall melodic_cuckoo_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 measure, you can avoid using the melodic_cuckoo_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The melodic_cuckoo_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies essential project files and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for melodic_cuckoo_z3n →
FAQ
melodic_cuckoo_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized changes in your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and exposing it to further security risks.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall melodic_cuckoo_z3n' and check for any dependencies that may rely on it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can also check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
