Malicious Code Injection in consistent_stoat_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100884: Malicious code in consistent_stoat_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The consistent_stoat_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. It is often utilized in various applications to enhance functionality and streamline development processes. However, this package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods npm with harmful packages, designed to manipulate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the consistent_stoat_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores by continuously republishing variants of the package, thereby polluting the npm registry. The malicious payload can lead to significant security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and the potential for further exploitation of affected applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall consistent_stoat_z3n
If 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 the malicious package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock your dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include the consistent_stoat_z3n package or any of its derivatives. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The consistent_stoat_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that modifies project dependencies. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your application for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Staying informed and proactive can help mitigate potential threats.
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FAQ
The consistent_stoat_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your project's dependencies, potentially exposing sensitive data and creating security risks.
You should uninstall the consistent_stoat_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any unauthorized changes.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring access to your code.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.