Malicious Code Injection in embarrassing_catshark_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94231: Malicious code in embarrassing_catshark_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The embarrassing_catshark_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. It is designed to facilitate various functionalities within applications. However, this package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits npm's publishing capabilities to create and distribute harmful variants, thereby compromising the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package being associated with a token reward campaign that floods npm with malicious packages. These packages contain scripts that automatically modify the package.json file to remove private flags, change version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the pollution of the npm registry and can inflate developer reputation scores fraudulently, posing significant risks to developers and users relying on the integrity of npm packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall embarrassing_catshark_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, avoid using the embarrassing_catshark_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The embarrassing_catshark_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code injection capabilities. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove any affected packages from their projects. Regular audits and monitoring tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to flood the npm registry with harmful variants.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code, which may compromise your application's security and integrity.
You should uninstall the embarrassing_catshark_z3n package immediately and check for any alternative packages that can fulfill your requirements.
You can use tools like npm audit or services like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
