Malicious Code Vulnerability in able_catfish_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-98596: Malicious code in able_catfish_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The able_catfish_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the able_catfish_z3n package originates from its involvement in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. 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 and loss of trust in the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall able_catfish_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 able_catfish_z3n package and any of its derivatives. Additionally, you can implement strict package versioning in your package.json to prevent the installation of compromised packages.
Conclusion
The able_catfish_z3n package contains malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to remove this package and any derivatives from your projects and to utilize tools like Vulert for ongoing monitoring of open-source vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The able_catfish_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with a token reward campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file and can lead to the installation of compromised packages, which may introduce security vulnerabilities into your project.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected without any signup.
If you have installed the able_catfish_z3n package, it is advisable to remove it immediately and check for any other compromised packages in your project.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and stay updated on security advisories related to the packages you use.
