Malicious Code Injection in upset_quelea_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-97191: Malicious code in upset_quelea_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The upset_quelea_z3n package is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to automatically generate and publish derivative packages, often with randomized names, to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior poses a significant risk to the integrity of the npm registry and can lead to the proliferation of malicious code.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the upset_quelea_z3n package originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to pollution of the npm registry. The malicious payload can compromise the security of applications relying on this package, potentially allowing for unauthorized access or execution of harmful code.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall upset_quelea_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 upset_quelea_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The upset_quelea_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code injection capabilities. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help safeguard your applications from such threats.
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FAQ
The upset_quelea_z3n package is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed the upset_quelea_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
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 any signup.
