Malicious Code Injection in total_vole_z3n: A Threat to npm Package Integrity
Summary
MAL-2025-109779: Malicious code in total_vole_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The total_vole_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. The malicious behavior includes modifying package metadata and publishing numerous variants to inflate developer reputation scores, particularly for the tea.xyz token reward campaign.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in total_vole_z3n stems from its malicious code that alters the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to a compromised development environment, where developers may unknowingly use these malicious packages, risking their projects and reputations.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall total_vole_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 total_vole_z3n package and monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The total_vole_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry with compromised variants. It is essential to remove this package from your project and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your development environment.
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FAQ
total_vole_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the use of compromised packages that can harm your project.
You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall total_vole_z3n' and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
