Malicious Code Injection in tory_buzzard_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-97030: Malicious code in tory_buzzard_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The tory_buzzard_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages often include scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores, making them a significant risk for developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the tory_buzzard_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 behavior leads to the automatic publication of derivative packages, which can pollute the npm registry and compromise the integrity of the ecosystem. The malicious payload is particularly concerning as it can affect other packages and developers relying on the npm registry for legitimate software.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall tory_buzzard_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, avoid using the tory_buzzard_z3n package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may have been affected by this malicious code. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any suspicious entries.
Conclusion
The tory_buzzard_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and publishes derivative packages. It is essential for developers to remove this package from their projects and to use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in their dependencies.
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FAQ
The tory_buzzard_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By checking your package-lock.json file, Vulert can help you identify if your project is affected by this vulnerability.
The risks include the potential for your project to be polluted with malicious packages, which can compromise security, inflate developer reputation scores, and lead to further vulnerabilities.
To prevent future vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.
If you have used the tory_buzzard_z3n package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and check your project for any other affected dependencies.
