Malicious Code Injection in active_iguana_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99098: Malicious code in active_iguana_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The active_iguana_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. This package is suspected to be involved in a token reward campaign that has led to the proliferation of malicious packages on npm. Its primary function appears to be related to automated publishing, but it has been compromised to serve malicious purposes.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the active_iguana_z3n package being part of a broader malicious campaign that modifies package.json files to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names and continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry. This can lead to significant security risks, including the potential for developers to unknowingly incorporate malicious code into their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall active_iguana_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 active_iguana_z3n package until a fix is confirmed. Additionally, consider using npm audit to check for vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
Conclusion
The active_iguana_z3n package has been identified as a vector for malicious code injection, posing significant risks to applications that utilize it. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for active_iguana_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
If your application uses the active_iguana_z3n package, it may inadvertently incorporate malicious code that could compromise its security.
You should remove the active_iguana_z3n package from your project and update your dependencies to ensure your application is secure.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application against known vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies using npm audit, and consider using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
