Malicious Code Injection in close_giraffe_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93583: Malicious code in close_giraffe_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The close_giraffe_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. The primary function of this package is to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, its malicious nature poses significant risks to developers and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the close_giraffe_z3n package originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The ramifications of this vulnerability include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly install these malicious packages, as well as damage to the reputation of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall close_giraffe_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can avoid using the close_giraffe_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your package dependencies to identify and remove any malicious packages.
Conclusion
The close_giraffe_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies package.json files and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
The close_giraffe_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that modifies your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's security and integrity.
If you have installed the close_giraffe_z3n package, it is advisable to remove it immediately and check for any unauthorized changes in your project.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, you can look for other npm packages that provide similar functionalities without the associated risks of malicious code.
