Malicious Code Injection in binding_cougar_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-99974: Malicious code in binding_cougar_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The binding_cougar_z3n package is an npm module that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward scheme. This package is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names, aimed at inflating developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that alter package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code in the binding_cougar_z3n package, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and changes version numbers. It also generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This can lead to significant security risks, including the potential for dependency confusion and the spread of malicious software within the developer community.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall binding_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, you can prevent the installation of the binding_cougar_z3n package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock your dependencies. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unauthorized changes to the package.json file.
Conclusion
The binding_cougar_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with a malicious campaign that modifies package metadata and floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising security and functionality.
You should remove the binding_cougar_z3n package from your project immediately and monitor for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
