Malicious Code Injection in prepared_harrier_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-89503: Malicious code in prepared_harrier_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The prepared_harrier_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript development. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages often contain scripts that manipulate package metadata and publish new variants to inflate developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the prepared_harrier_z3n package stems from malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to exploit npm's publishing mechanisms, potentially polluting the npm registry and compromising the integrity of the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall prepared_harrier_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 prevent the malicious behavior by removing the prepared_harrier_z3n package from your project. Use the following command:
npm uninstall prepared_harrier_z3n
Additionally, monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The prepared_harrier_z3n package contains a serious vulnerability due to malicious code that alters package metadata. It is crucial to update or remove this package to maintain the integrity of your project. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
The malicious code can lead to unauthorized changes in your project's package.json, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies and use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
If no patched version is available, consider removing the package from your project and looking for alternative solutions.
The campaign floods the npm registry with malicious packages designed to inflate developer reputation scores, leading to vulnerabilities like the one found in prepared_harrier_z3n.
