Malicious Code Injection in short_eagle_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-98927: Malicious code in short_eagle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The short_eagle_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and has been identified as a malicious package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its primary functionality is to automate the publishing process, but it has been compromised to execute harmful actions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious intent behind the short_eagle_z3n package, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of the ecosystem and affecting developers relying on legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall short_eagle_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 short_eagle_z3n package and check your package-lock.json for any references to it. If found, remove it and replace it with a legitimate alternative package that provides similar functionality.
Conclusion
The short_eagle_z3n package poses a significant risk to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your projects from potential threats.
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FAQ
short_eagle_z3n is a malicious npm package that automates the generation and publishing of derivative packages to manipulate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult to find legitimate packages and potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
You should uninstall the short_eagle_z3n package immediately using the command npm uninstall short_eagle_z3n and review your dependencies for any other malicious packages.
There are no patches available for the short_eagle_z3n package as it is a malicious package. The best course of action is to remove it from your project.
