Malicious Code Vulnerability in new_mackerel_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106289: Malicious code in new_mackerel_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The new_mackerel_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages often contain scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages, leading to a polluted registry and potential security risks for developers and users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the new_mackerel_z3n package stems from its association with malicious scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and create random package names, which can lead to the proliferation of harmful packages in the npm registry. This not only affects the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly install these malicious packages, potentially compromising their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall new_mackerel_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the new_mackerel_z3n package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project's dependencies for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The new_mackerel_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability due to its association with malicious scripts that can compromise the npm registry and affect developers. It is crucial to update or remove this package and utilize monitoring tools like Vulert to ensure the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for new_mackerel_z3n →
FAQ
The new_mackerel_z3n package is an npm package that has been linked to malicious activities, specifically related to the tea.xyz token reward campaign.
This vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code, which may compromise your application's security and integrity.
If you have installed the new_mackerel_z3n package, it is recommended to update it to the latest patched version or remove it from your project.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without needing to access the code.
You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
