Malicious Code Injection in neat_gerbil_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-106233: Malicious code in neat_gerbil_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
neat_gerbil_z3n is an npm package that is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to interact with the npm ecosystem, potentially providing functionalities related to token rewards. However, it has been identified as a malicious package that can compromise the integrity of the npm registry and the applications that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in neat_gerbil_z3n stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file of the project. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the automatic publication of derivative packages. The origin of this issue is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores by flooding the npm registry with these malicious packages. The ramifications include the potential for developers to unknowingly install compromised packages, leading to security risks and pollution of the npm registry.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall neat_gerbil_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 neat_gerbil_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always verify the integrity of packages before installation.
Conclusion
The neat_gerbil_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters project files and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove such packages from their projects. Regular monitoring and updates are essential to maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
neat_gerbil_z3n is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been identified as containing malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, which may alter your project's dependencies and introduce security risks.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command npm uninstall neat_gerbil_z3n and check your project for any other compromised packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
