Malicious Code Injection in controlled_ptarmigan_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93784: Malicious code in controlled_ptarmigan_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The controlled_ptarmigan_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which are often used to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality includes creating various versions of packages with randomized names, which can lead to pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the controlled_ptarmigan_z3n package arises from malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the proliferation of unwanted packages in the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs autopublish scripts to automate the creation of these malicious packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers and users who may inadvertently install these compromised packages, as well as damage to 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 controlled_ptarmigan_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 controlled_ptarmigan_z3n package and instead look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before installation.
Conclusion
The controlled_ptarmigan_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and to utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in your dependencies. Always prioritize security by verifying the integrity of the packages you use.
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FAQ
The controlled_ptarmigan_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the installation of unwanted packages and compromising the security of your project.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. By analyzing your package-lock.json file, Vulert can help you identify if your application is affected.
There is no patch available for the controlled_ptarmigan_z3n package. The recommended action is to uninstall it and avoid using it in your projects.
If you have installed the controlled_ptarmigan_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command 'npm uninstall controlled_ptarmigan_z3n' to mitigate any potential risks.
