MalwarePublished 10 Nov 2025

encouraging_bird_z3n (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects encouraging_bird_z3nSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove encouraging_bird_z3n and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 10 Nov 2026, 22:38 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2025-60369

What to do

Remove encouraging_bird_z3n from every project, lockfile and image that pulls it in. Treat any host that installed it as compromised: rotate the credentials, tokens and keys it could read, from a clean machine.

Affected software

Product	Affected	Fixed in
npmencouraging_bird_z3n	Affected–	Fixed in–

Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.

Description

The npm package encouraging_bird_z3n is part of a malicious campaign linked to tea.xyz token rewards. It contains autopublish scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages with randomized Indonesian-themed names. The payload manipulates package.json files by removing private flags and altering version numbers to repeatedly publish variants, thereby polluting the npm registry and inflating developer reputation scores.

Impact

The malicious payload causes pollution of the npm registry by flooding it with numerous derivative packages that have randomized names and manipulated metadata. This can degrade the quality and trustworthiness of the npm ecosystem and may mislead users or automated systems relying on package metadata. It also artificially inflates developer reputation scores within the tea.xyz token reward system, undermining the integrity of that system.

Defensive guidance

Users and maintainers should avoid installing or trusting packages associated with this campaign, including encouraging_bird_z3n and its derivatives. Registry maintainers may consider removing or flagging these packages to prevent further pollution. Monitoring for packages exhibiting autopublish behavior and randomized naming patterns can help identify and mitigate this threat.

Summary

This threat involves the encouraging_bird_z3n npm package, which is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. The package includes autopublish scripts (such as auto.js and autopublish.js variants) that automate the creation and publication of derivative packages with randomized names. These scripts modify package.json files to remove private flags and change version numbers, enabling continuous republishing of variants. The objective is to flood the npm registry with these packages to artificially inflate developer reputation scores for tea protocol token rewards. This activity results in registry pollution and potential trust issues within the npm ecosystem.

Community reviews

Loading reviews…

What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 10 Nov 2026, 22:38 UTC

Technical details

Community reviews