Malicious Code Injection in net_orca_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-95636: Malicious code in net_orca_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The net_orca_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 scripts that compromise its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the net_orca_z3n package arises from malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to a significant increase in spam packages, affecting the overall quality and trustworthiness of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall net_orca_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 prevent the installation of the net_orca_z3n package by adding it to your project's .npmrc file with the following line: 'package-lock=false'. This will help avoid any potential issues until the vulnerability is fully addressed.
Conclusion
The net_orca_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help maintain the security of your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for net_orca_z3n →
FAQ
The net_orca_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability allows the package to modify package.json files, remove private flags, change version numbers, and publish spam packages to the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If you have installed the net_orca_z3n package, it is advisable to remove it from your project immediately to mitigate any risks associated with the vulnerability.
Yes, the impacts include the potential for spam packages to pollute the npm registry, which can degrade the quality of the ecosystem and affect developers relying on npm for secure packages.
