Malicious Code Injection in constant_hedgehog_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100885: Malicious code in constant_hedgehog_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The constant_hedgehog_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards by generating and publishing derivative packages. However, it has been identified as malicious due to its functionality that modifies package metadata and floods the npm registry with unwanted packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the malicious code embedded in the constant_hedgehog_z3n package. This code is designed to remove private flags from the package.json file, alter version numbers, and create random package names, which leads to the pollution of the npm registry. The origin of this issue is linked to a broader campaign that exploits npm for token rewards, potentially harming developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall constant_hedgehog_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 avoid using the constant_hedgehog_z3n package and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project.
Conclusion
The constant_hedgehog_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been identified as malicious.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and floods the npm registry with unwanted packages, potentially harming your project's reputation.
You should remove the constant_hedgehog_z3n package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
