Malicious Code Vulnerability in changing_mammal_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93499: Malicious code in changing_mammal_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The changing_mammal_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit npm's package publishing system. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has been linked to the generation of numerous derivative packages with the intent of inflating developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the changing_mammal_z3n package stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall changing_mammal_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 changing_mammal_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall changing_mammal_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The changing_mammal_z3n package has been identified as a malicious entity within the npm ecosystem, posing significant risks to developers and their applications. It is crucial to take immediate action by removing the package and monitoring for updates to ensure the security of your projects.
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FAQ
The changing_mammal_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise your application if it relies on the affected package.
You should uninstall the changing_mammal_z3n package and monitor for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
