Malicious Code Injection in big_crocodile_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93376: Malicious code in big_crocodile_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The big_crocodile_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the big_crocodile_z3n package originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. These modifications remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This behavior can result in a loss of control over package management and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall big_crocodile_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 prevent the installation of the big_crocodile_z3n package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include this package in its dependencies.
Conclusion
The big_crocodile_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package management. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your project for any vulnerabilities to maintain security.
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FAQ
The big_crocodile_z3n package is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your project's package.json file, potentially allowing malicious code to be executed and compromising your project's integrity.
If you have installed the big_crocodile_z3n package, it is crucial to remove it from your project immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your package.json file.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review your package.json file for any unauthorized changes.
