Malicious Code Injection in correct_crow_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-101013: Malicious code in correct_crow_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The correct_crow_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated scripts that publish numerous variants of the package, often with altered metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the correct_crow_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages and potentially exposing them to further malicious activities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall correct_crow_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the correct_crow_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert to stay informed about vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The correct_crow_z3n package has been identified as a malicious package that modifies important metadata to inflate developer reputation scores. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for correct_crow_z3n →
FAQ
The correct_crow_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it harder to find legitimate packages and potentially exposing your project to further malicious attacks.
You should remove the correct_crow_z3n package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches that may address this vulnerability.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time about open-source vulnerabilities in your software.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
