Malicious Code Injection in rare_parrot_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96187: Malicious code in rare_parrot_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The rare_parrot_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript applications. It is known for its involvement in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has led to the proliferation of numerous derivative packages. This package, like many others in this campaign, is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the rare_parrot_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which are then continuously republished to pollute the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to exploit npm's publishing system for malicious purposes. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use these packages, as well as the degradation of the npm registry's integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall rare_parrot_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 rare_parrot_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can use tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The rare_parrot_z3n package contains malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and the integrity of the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Always stay informed about the packages you use to ensure the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The rare_parrot_z3n package is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to security risks, including the potential for malicious code execution and the pollution of the npm registry with unwanted packages.
You should uninstall the rare_parrot_z3n package immediately using 'npm uninstall rare_parrot_z3n' and check for any alternative packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
