Malicious Code Injection in formidable_capybara_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-94576: Malicious code in formidable_capybara_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
formidable_capybara_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores by flooding the registry with derivative packages. The package's functionality is compromised by malicious scripts that alter its metadata and behavior.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in formidable_capybara_z3n stems from its inclusion in a campaign that deploys autopublish scripts designed to manipulate package.json files. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the pollution of the npm registry. This not only compromises the integrity of the package but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these malicious variants, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall formidable_capybara_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, you can avoid using the formidable_capybara_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity of the packages you choose to include in your project.
Conclusion
The formidable_capybara_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code injection. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant about the packages they use and to take immediate action to remove any compromised packages. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and maintaining the security of your projects.
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FAQ
formidable_capybara_z3n is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your project, compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the formidable_capybara_z3n package immediately and check your project for any potential security issues.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can also check your application against the vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, you should look for other reputable npm packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
