Malicious Code Injection in free_pheasant_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94604: Malicious code in free_pheasant_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The free_pheasant_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in JavaScript projects for various functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods npm with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, posing significant risks to users and developers alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the free_pheasant_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file. This modification removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The malicious payload can compromise the integrity of the npm registry and potentially affect users who unknowingly install these packages, resulting in security risks and reputational damage.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall free_pheasant_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 remove the free_pheasant_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall free_pheasant_z3n. This will prevent any potential malicious code from executing in your application.
Conclusion
The free_pheasant_z3n package has been identified as a vector for malicious code injection, posing significant risks to users and developers. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or uninstalling the package and utilizing monitoring tools like Vulert to safeguard your projects.
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FAQ
The free_pheasant_z3n package is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the creation of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and leading to the installation of unwanted or harmful packages.
If you have installed the free_pheasant_z3n package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file. You can also check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.
To prevent future vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, keep your packages updated, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for any potential threats.
