Malicious Code Injection in moral_hare_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95539: Malicious code in moral_hare_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The moral_hare_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 derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the moral_hare_z3n package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of other packages. The ramifications include the risk of developers unknowingly using compromised packages, which can lead to further exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall moral_hare_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 moral_hare_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall moral_hare_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you assess the situation and look for alternatives.
Conclusion
The moral_hare_z3n package presents a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. It is crucial for developers to stay vigilant by updating their dependencies and utilizing tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The moral_hare_z3n package 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 the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately update the package to a patched version or uninstall it to prevent any malicious activity.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
