Malicious Code Injection in basic_pony_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-99811: Malicious code in basic_pony_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The basic_pony_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 flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant security risks for users and developers alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the basic_pony_z3n package originates from its involvement in the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can compromise the integrity of the software supply chain. The ramifications include potential exposure of sensitive data and the introduction of further vulnerabilities into dependent applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall basic_pony_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 prevent the installation of this malicious package by using the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall basic_pony_z3n. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for any vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The basic_pony_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and utilize monitoring tools like Vulert to safeguard their applications against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
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FAQ
basic_pony_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your application by introducing malicious code that alters package configurations and floods the npm registry.
You should uninstall the basic_pony_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any further vulnerabilities.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Regularly audit your dependencies and use tools like Vulert to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities in your packages.
