Malicious Code Injection in missing_meadowlark_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-95506: Malicious code in missing_meadowlark_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The missing_meadowlark_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development of applications by providing reusable code components. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages, potentially compromising the integrity of applications that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the missing_meadowlark_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies package.json files to remove private flags and alters version numbers. This allows the package to generate and publish numerous derivative packages with randomized names, aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. The continuous republishing of these variants can lead to registry pollution, making it difficult for developers to trust the integrity of packages in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall missing_meadowlark_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 missing_meadowlark_z3n package and instead look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project's dependencies.
Conclusion
The missing_meadowlark_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code injection capabilities. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The missing_meadowlark_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your application by introducing malicious code that modifies your package.json and floods the npm registry with untrustworthy packages.
If you have installed the missing_meadowlark_z3n package, it is crucial to remove it from your project and check for any other affected packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time, providing alerts for any issues.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
