Malicious Code Injection in ugly_lark_z3n: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-97074: Malicious code in ugly_lark_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The package 'ugly_lark_z3n' is part of the npm ecosystem and appears to be associated with a token reward campaign that has led to the proliferation of malicious packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only clutters the npm registry but also poses a significant risk to developers and users relying on npm packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'ugly_lark_z3n' originates from its involvement in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This malicious payload continuously republishes variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially leading to security risks for users who may unknowingly install these compromised packages. The impact includes the risk of executing untrusted code and the degradation of the npm ecosystem's integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall ugly_lark_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the 'ugly_lark_z3n' package until a patched version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The 'ugly_lark_z3n' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code injection. It is essential for developers to be vigilant, update their packages regularly, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, developers can protect their applications and maintain the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
See every vulnerability recorded for ugly_lark_z3n →
FAQ
The 'ugly_lark_z3n' package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
This vulnerability can lead to the execution of untrusted code and may compromise the security of your application by introducing malicious behavior.
If you have installed 'ugly_lark_z3n', it is crucial to remove it from your project and monitor for any updates or patches that may be released.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
