Malicious Code Injection in only_albatross_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-98848: Malicious code in only_albatross_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'only_albatross_z3n' is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by automatically publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. The primary function of these packages is to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards in the tea protocol, but they also introduce significant security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'only_albatross_z3n' stems from its malicious payload, which 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. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk of dependency confusion and potential exploitation of applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall only_albatross_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 'only_albatross_z3n' package and replace it with a trusted alternative that provides similar functionality. Additionally, you can monitor your package dependencies using tools like Vulert, which can alert you to vulnerabilities in your open-source packages.
Conclusion
The 'only_albatross_z3n' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to manipulate the npm registry.
The malicious behavior of this package can lead to dependency confusion, potential exploitation, and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor your dependencies for any vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without requiring an account.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
