Malicious Code Injection in cognitive_swordfish_z3n: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93602: Malicious code in cognitive_swordfish_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The cognitive_swordfish_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various development tasks. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's package publishing system. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package being part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward system. It contains scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and create random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall cognitive_swordfish_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid using the cognitive_swordfish_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Regularly audit your dependencies to ensure they are secure.
Conclusion
The cognitive_swordfish_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 and monitor their dependencies to maintain the security of their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in identifying vulnerabilities efficiently.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
Using this package can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check your project for any other affected dependencies.
Yes, tools like Vulert can monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check your application for vulnerabilities without needing to sign up.
