Malicious Code Injection in overall_tern_z3n: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-89343: Malicious code in overall_tern_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 overall_tern_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the tea.xyz token reward system. The package is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the overall_tern_z3n package, which contains malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to a polluted npm registry and potential security risks for developers relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall overall_tern_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 remove the overall_tern_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: 'npm uninstall overall_tern_z3n'. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The overall_tern_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies essential project files and repopulates the npm registry with harmful packages. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring for updates.
See every vulnerability recorded for overall_tern_z3n →
FAQ
The overall_tern_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and generates random package names, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and pollution of the npm registry.
If you have installed the overall_tern_z3n package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor and alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Vulert is a tool that monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file, providing real-time alerts.
