Malicious Code Injection in unlikely_carp_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-110158: Malicious code in unlikely_carp_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
unlikely_carp_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and republish variants, thereby polluting the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in unlikely_carp_z3n stems from its malicious payload that alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior is designed to create numerous derivative packages that clutter the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm's publishing mechanisms to achieve its goals.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall unlikely_carp_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can manually remove the package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall unlikely_carp_z3n. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The unlikely_carp_z3n package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior of modifying package files and republishing variants. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and utilize tools like Vulert to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
unlikely_carp_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it harder to find legitimate packages and potentially introducing malicious code into your project.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command 'npm uninstall unlikely_carp_z3n' and monitor your project for any other vulnerabilities.
Currently, there is no specific patched version available for unlikely_carp_z3n. It is advisable to remove the package entirely.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file. You can check your application at Vulert Scanner.
