Malicious Code Injection in dizzy_fox_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-101686: Malicious code in dizzy_fox_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The dizzy_fox_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 can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the dizzy_fox_z3n package originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. These modifications remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only affects the affected package but can also impact the overall integrity of the npm ecosystem, making it susceptible to further malicious activities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall dizzy_fox_z3n
If 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 dizzy_fox_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The dizzy_fox_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and stay informed about potential vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring your applications for such threats.
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FAQ
The dizzy_fox_z3n package is an npm package that was part of a token reward campaign and is designed to publish derivative packages automatically.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
If you have installed the dizzy_fox_z3n package, it is advisable to remove it immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.