Malicious Code Injection in xenogeneic_louse_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-111110: Malicious code in xenogeneic_louse_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The xenogeneic_louse_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript development. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to a series of malicious packages flooding the npm registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's publishing system, potentially affecting developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the xenogeneic_louse_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the automatic publication of derivative packages. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to further exploitation or reputation damage.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall xenogeneic_louse_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 xenogeneic_louse_z3n package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Monitor your package-lock.json file for any unexpected changes or additions that may indicate the presence of malicious packages.
Conclusion
The xenogeneic_louse_z3n package contains malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and the npm ecosystem. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for any signs of compromise. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for xenogeneic_louse_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for containing malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the automatic publication of malicious packages, potentially compromising your project's integrity and reputation.
You should uninstall the xenogeneic_louse_z3n package immediately and check your project for any other potentially compromised packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file 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 signing up.
Habilume
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
