Malicious Code Injection in previous_planarian_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-89511: Malicious code in previous_planarian_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The previous_planarian_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 linked to a series of malicious packages that flood the npm registry. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded in the previous_planarian_z3n package. It modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of data integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall previous_planarian_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 previous_planarian_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall previous_planarian_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative.
Conclusion
The previous_planarian_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and their projects. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your application from potential threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing open-source vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for containing malicious code.
The code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and generates random package names, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
If an update is not available, consider removing the package from your project and looking for a secure alternative.
Regularly monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert and keep your packages updated to the latest secure versions.
