Malicious Code Injection in running_lungfish_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108298: Malicious code in running_lungfish_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The running_lungfish_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise its integrity.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's design, which includes autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially harming developers' reputations and the integrity of the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall running_lungfish_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 running_lungfish_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project's dependencies using tools like Vulert, which can alert you to vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The running_lungfish_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters project files and pollutes the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of packages.
The vulnerability allows the package to modify project files and continuously republish variants, which can lead to reputation inflation and registry pollution.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
It is advisable to remove the running_lungfish_z3n package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches.
Vulert monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time about open-source vulnerabilities in your software, helping you maintain security.
