Malicious Code Injection in arbitrary_wildfowl_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93261: Malicious code in arbitrary_wildfowl_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The arbitrary_wildfowl_z3n package is part of a series of malicious packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. The primary function of this package is to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards, but it poses significant risks to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the arbitrary_wildfowl_z3n package originates from its malicious intent to alter package.json files. It removes private flags, modifies version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This behavior can compromise the security of applications relying on these packages, potentially introducing further vulnerabilities and instability.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall arbitrary_wildfowl_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, consider using a package monitoring tool like Vulert, which can help you identify and alert you to open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without needing to sign up.
Conclusion
The arbitrary_wildfowl_z3n package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores. Immediate action is required to remove this package and safeguard your applications from potential vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
It is a malicious npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores by flooding the npm registry with derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code, compromising the security and stability of your application.
You should uninstall the arbitrary_wildfowl_z3n package immediately to mitigate any risks associated with its malicious behavior.
No, it is recommended to remove the package entirely as it is designed with malicious intent and does not have a safe version.
You can use tools like Vulert to monitor your project's dependencies for vulnerabilities in real-time.
