Malicious Code Injection in condemned_deer_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100820: Malicious code in condemned_deer_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The condemned_deer_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages. These packages often contain scripts designed to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making them a significant threat to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the condemned_deer_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, which pollutes the npm registry. The origin of this issue is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been flooding npm with similar malicious packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers and users who may unknowingly install these compromised packages, leading to further exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall condemned_deer_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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. You can also use the following command to uninstall the package if it is already installed: npm uninstall condemned_deer_z3n.
Conclusion
The condemned_deer_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. Developers should take immediate action to remove this package and monitor their projects for any potential vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The condemned_deer_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
This vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, which may introduce security risks and affect the integrity of your project.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
If you have installed the condemned_deer_z3n package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately using the command: npm uninstall condemned_deer_z3n.
Currently, there are no known patches for the condemned_deer_z3n package. It is advisable to remove it from your project.
