Malicious Code Injection in basic_cougar_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-93355: Malicious code in basic_cougar_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'basic_cougar_z3n' is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior poses a significant risk to the integrity of the npm registry and the security of applications relying on these packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'basic_cougar_z3n' originates from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This results in the continuous republishing of these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry. The ramifications include compromised application security, potential data breaches, and a tarnished reputation for developers using these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall basic_cougar_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, avoid using the 'basic_cougar_z3n' package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The 'basic_cougar_z3n' package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that manipulates the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining application security.
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FAQ
The main issue is that it contains malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry and inflate developer reputation scores.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
If you have installed this package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command: npm uninstall basic_cougar_z3n.
Yes, consider looking for other npm packages that offer similar functionality without the risks associated with basic_cougar_z3n.
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