Malicious Code Injection in missing_ladybug_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-95505: Malicious code in missing_ladybug_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The missing_ladybug_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the missing_ladybug_z3n package stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially affecting other developers and users relying on the integrity of the npm ecosystem. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs such tactics to manipulate the npm registry for personal gain.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall missing_ladybug_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 remove the missing_ladybug_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall missing_ladybug_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a more permanent solution.
Conclusion
The missing_ladybug_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to users and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your projects and maintain the integrity of your development environment.
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FAQ
The missing_ladybug_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, removal of private flags, and the generation of random package names, which can compromise the integrity of your project.
If you are using the missing_ladybug_z3n package, you should update it to a patched version or remove it entirely from your project to mitigate the risk.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing the package-lock.json file. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.
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