Malicious Code Injection in flaky_weasel_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94536: Malicious code in flaky_weasel_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The flaky_weasel_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting developers through the tea.xyz token reward system. This package is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names, ultimately aiming to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that alter package metadata.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and creating random package names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly install these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall flaky_weasel_z3n
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using flaky_weasel_z3n and any packages that may have been derived from it. Regularly audit your package-lock.json file to identify and remove any suspicious packages.
Conclusion
The flaky_weasel_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for any potential vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
Flaky_weasel_z3n is an npm package identified as part of a malicious campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, which may introduce security risks and instability in your application.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
If you have installed flaky_weasel_z3n, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall flaky_weasel_z3n' and audit your dependencies for any other malicious packages.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities, and stay informed about security advisories related to the packages you use.