Malicious Code Vulnerability in clean_gopher_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100587: Malicious code in clean_gopher_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The clean_gopher_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript projects for various functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the generation of derivative packages. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to developers and users relying on this package, as it can lead to unintended consequences in their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the clean_gopher_z3n package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package contains malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of dependent applications. This can lead to security risks, including the introduction of untrusted code into projects.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall clean_gopher_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 clean_gopher_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall clean_gopher_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The clean_gopher_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to applications using it. Developers are urged to update or uninstall the package to mitigate potential security threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
The clean_gopher_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of untrusted code into your application, potentially compromising its security and functionality.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
If you cannot update the package, consider uninstalling it as a temporary measure to mitigate risks until a secure version is available.
Detailed information about this vulnerability can be found in the official npm registry and security advisories related to the clean_gopher_z3n package.
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