Malicious Code Injection in average_gazelle_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93317: Malicious code in average_gazelle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The average_gazelle_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with random names. Its primary functionality is compromised by the malicious code that alters package metadata, leading to potential security risks for developers and users relying on this package.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the average_gazelle_z3n package originates from its association with a token reward campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores but also pollutes the npm registry, making it difficult for users to identify legitimate packages. The ramifications include potential security breaches and the risk of integrating compromised packages into applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall average_gazelle_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the average_gazelle_z3n package by removing it from your dependencies. If you need similar functionality, consider using alternative packages that are verified and have no known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The average_gazelle_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their applications.
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FAQ
The average_gazelle_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the integration of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and functionality.
If you have used the average_gazelle_z3n package, it is crucial to remove it from your project and check for any other dependencies that may be affected.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just package-lock.json. You can also check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit and consider using services like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
