Malicious Code Vulnerability in ruling_louse_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-90328: Malicious code in ruling_louse_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The ruling_louse_z3n package is part of a series of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards associated with the tea protocol.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the ruling_louse_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This results in a pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages. The malicious payload can lead to security risks, including the potential for code injection or the installation of compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ruling_louse_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the ruling_louse_z3n package by removing it from your dependencies. You can do this by running the command: npm uninstall ruling_louse_z3n.
Conclusion
The ruling_louse_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. Developers are urged to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for any vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and managing such risks effectively.
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FAQ
The ruling_louse_z3n package is an npm package associated with a malicious campaign that aims to manipulate the npm registry.
This vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, potentially exposing your application to security risks.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If you have installed the ruling_louse_z3n package, it is advisable to uninstall it immediately and check for any other affected packages.
Currently, there is no specific patch for the ruling_louse_z3n package. The best course of action is to remove it from your project.
