Malicious Code Injection in convincing_capybara_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-93800: Malicious code in convincing_capybara_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package convincing_capybara_z3n is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only clutters the npm registry but also poses a significant risk to users who may unknowingly install these malicious packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random Indonesian-themed package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of projects that depend on these packages. The malicious scripts included in the package (auto.js, autopublish.js, etc.) are designed to automate this process, making it difficult for developers to detect and mitigate the threat.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall convincing_capybara_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 convincing_capybara_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before installation.
Conclusion
The convincing_capybara_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior aimed at inflating developer reputation scores. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and utilize trusted alternatives. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for generating malicious variants to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code, which may compromise your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command: npm uninstall convincing_capybara_z3n.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
