Malicious Code Injection in novel_bat_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-88872: Malicious code in novel_bat_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The novel_bat_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 generation and publication of derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores. Its functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that modify package configurations.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the inclusion of malicious code within the novel_bat_z3n package. This code is designed to alter the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation of developers' reputation systems. The ramifications include unauthorized modifications to project configurations and potential security risks for applications relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall novel_bat_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 remove the novel_bat_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall novel_bat_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a safer alternative.
Conclusion
The novel_bat_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and their projects. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your application from potential exploitation.
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FAQ
novel_bat_z3n is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to unauthorized changes and security vulnerabilities in your application.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
If no patched version is available, it is advisable to remove the package entirely from your project to mitigate risks.
Regularly monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert and keep your packages updated to the latest secure versions.
