Malicious Code Injection in nice_barnacle_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-106296: Malicious code in nice_barnacle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The nice_barnacle_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. It aims to inflate developer reputation scores within the tea protocol token rewards system. However, it has been compromised, leading to significant security concerns.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the nice_barnacle_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. The package is part of a broader scheme that floods the npm ecosystem with derivative packages, potentially harming developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm registry.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall nice_barnacle_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 nice_barnacle_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The nice_barnacle_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any updates or patches. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
The nice_barnacle_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise your project's integrity by introducing malicious code.
You should uninstall the nice_barnacle_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual activity.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
Habilume
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
