Malicious Code Injection in assistant_wolverine_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99642: Malicious code in assistant_wolverine_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The assistant_wolverine_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages that inflate developer reputation scores. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to automatically generate and publish derivative packages, making it vulnerable to malicious exploitation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the assistant_wolverine_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs autopublish scripts to create and publish numerous variants of the package, ultimately compromising the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall assistant_wolverine_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 assistant_wolverine_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The assistant_wolverine_z3n package is compromised by malicious code that alters critical files and can lead to significant issues within your project. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your dependencies for any further vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The assistant_wolverine_z3n package is an npm package that is part of a campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of numerous derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to unauthorized changes and the pollution of the npm registry with random package names.
You should uninstall the assistant_wolverine_z3n package immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.
