Malicious Code Injection in continued_wildfowl_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-100939: Malicious code in continued_wildfowl_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The continued_wildfowl_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for JavaScript development. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the continued_wildfowl_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall continued_wildfowl_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 continued_wildfowl_z3n package and instead look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages for vulnerabilities using tools like npm audit.
Conclusion
The continued_wildfowl_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any similar vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for its malicious behavior in the npm registry.
The malicious code can modify your package.json, leading to the installation of compromised packages that may introduce security vulnerabilities.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the continued_wildfowl_z3n package immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
Yes, Vulert can monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
