Malicious Code Injection in characteristic_canidae_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93506: Malicious code in characteristic_canidae_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The characteristic_canidae_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to provide developers with reusable code components. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages that can inflate developer reputation scores through token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the characteristic_canidae_z3n package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of these variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can potentially compromise the integrity of the software supply chain.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall characteristic_canidae_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 avoid using the characteristic_canidae_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The characteristic_canidae_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remove this package from their projects and monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert to ensure the security of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for characteristic_canidae_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of your application and affecting its performance.
You should uninstall the characteristic_canidae_z3n package immediately and look for secure alternatives.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, there are many npm packages available that provide similar functionalities. Always ensure to check their reputation and security status before use.
