Malicious Code Injection in basic_ferret_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93356: Malicious code in basic_ferret_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The basic_ferret_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily 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, contains scripts designed to automatically generate and publish derivative packages, leading to potential misuse and pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the basic_ferret_z3n package stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is intended to continuously republish variants, thereby polluting the npm registry and compromising the integrity of the ecosystem. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs such tactics to manipulate developer reputation scores.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall basic_ferret_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 remove the basic_ferret_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall basic_ferret_z3n. This will prevent any malicious activity associated with the package until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The basic_ferret_z3n package contains a serious vulnerability that can lead to malicious code injection and pollution of the npm registry. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to protect your applications from potential risks.
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FAQ
The basic_ferret_z3n package is an npm package that is part of a campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of your application and exposing it to further security risks.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By utilizing the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider removing the package from your project as a temporary measure to mitigate the risk.
More information can be found in the vulnerability details provided by the Amazon Inspector and on platforms that track open-source vulnerabilities.
