Malicious Code Injection in zeroth_sparrow_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-92945: Malicious code in zeroth_sparrow_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
zeroth_sparrow_z3n is an npm package that is part of 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 its integrity and the security of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in zeroth_sparrow_z3n originates from its association with a campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. The code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores but also pollutes the npm registry, potentially leading to the installation of compromised packages by unsuspecting developers.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall zeroth_sparrow_z3n
If 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 zeroth_sparrow_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The zeroth_sparrow_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your projects for vulnerabilities to maintain security and integrity.
See every vulnerability recorded for zeroth_sparrow_z3n →
FAQ
zeroth_sparrow_z3n is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been identified as containing malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, which may alter your project's dependencies and potentially introduce security risks.
If you have installed zeroth_sparrow_z3n, it is crucial to remove it from your project immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Long-term implications include potential security breaches, data loss, and damage to your project's reputation due to the use of compromised packages.