Malicious Code Injection in continuous_catshark_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93779: Malicious code in continuous_catshark_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The continuous_catshark_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages that inflate developer reputation scores. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, often leading to malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the continuous_catshark_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 is intended to continuously republish variants of the package, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of applications that depend on it. The origin of this issue is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs such tactics to manipulate developer reputation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall continuous_catshark_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
Currently, the best workaround is to avoid using the continuous_catshark_z3n package altogether. If it is already in use, ensure to remove it and monitor your application for any dependencies that may have been affected by this malicious package.
Conclusion
The continuous_catshark_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with harmful variants. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for any dependencies that may have been impacted. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying and managing such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for generating and publishing malicious derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your application by introducing malicious code.
Currently, there is no patched version available for the continuous_catshark_z3n package.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just package-lock.json. You can also check your application for this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
You should uninstall the continuous_catshark_z3n package immediately and check for any dependencies that may have been affected.
