Malicious Code Injection in unusual_lizard_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-97177: Malicious code in unusual_lizard_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The unusual_lizard_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards by generating and publishing derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the unusual_lizard_z3n package, which includes scripts that automatically modify package.json files to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to manipulate developer reputation scores. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall unusual_lizard_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 prevent the installation of this malicious package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor your dependencies. You can also utilize the following command to audit your project for vulnerabilities: npm audit.
Conclusion
The unusual_lizard_z3n package presents a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies to maintain the integrity of their applications.
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FAQ
The unusual_lizard_z3n package is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that has been identified as containing malicious code.
This vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, which may introduce security risks and affect the integrity of your application.
You should immediately uninstall the unusual_lizard_z3n package using the command: npm uninstall unusual_lizard_z3n.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source 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 any signup.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
