Malicious Code Injection in motionless_haddock_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-95543: Malicious code in motionless_haddock_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
motionless_haddock_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package, like others in the tea.xyz token reward scheme, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem, making it crucial for developers to be aware of its risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the package's design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. These modifications remove private flags, alter version numbers, and create random package names, leading to the pollution of the npm registry. This not only affects the reputation of developers but can also introduce security risks and instability in applications relying on these packages. The malicious payload is part of a broader scheme to inflate scores for token rewards, making it a significant concern for the open-source community.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall motionless_haddock_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
Currently, the best workaround is to avoid using the motionless_haddock_z3n package altogether. If you have already integrated it into your project, ensure to remove it and monitor your dependencies for any similar malicious packages.
Conclusion
The motionless_haddock_z3n package poses a significant threat to the integrity of npm packages due to its malicious code designed to manipulate developer reputation scores. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for similar threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
motionless_haddock_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code, instability, and potential security risks in applications that rely on this package.
You should uninstall the motionless_haddock_z3n package immediately using the command npm uninstall motionless_haddock_z3n.
Yes, Vulert can monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
