Malicious Code Injection in obnoxious_python_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95717: Malicious code in obnoxious_python_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The obnoxious_python_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 are intended to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the inclusion of malicious code within the obnoxious_python_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation by attackers. The primary risk involves the unauthorized modification of package metadata, which can mislead developers and users about the authenticity and safety of the packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall obnoxious_python_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 obnoxious_python_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The obnoxious_python_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that modifies package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with compromised packages. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor for any vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies package metadata, potentially leading to unauthorized changes and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall obnoxious_python_z3n' and check for any alternative packages.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
