Malicious Code Injection in fat_wallaby_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-94455: Malicious code in fat_wallaby_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The fat_wallaby_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's publishing system by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for rewards, but this functionality comes with significant security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the fat_wallaby_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can compromise the integrity of other packages. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the broader tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm's publishing features for malicious purposes.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall fat_wallaby_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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to check for vulnerabilities in your project. You can use the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner to assess if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Conclusion
The fat_wallaby_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and republish behavior. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Staying informed and proactive is essential in maintaining the security of your software.
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FAQ
The fat_wallaby_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to manipulate npm's publishing system.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and compromise the integrity of your project's dependencies, potentially introducing malicious code.
You should remove the fat_wallaby_z3n package from your project immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit https://vulert.com for more information.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring an account.
