Malicious Code Injection in inquisitive_hyena_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95045: Malicious code in inquisitive_hyena_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The inquisitive_hyena_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages are designed to manipulate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making them a significant risk to developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the inquisitive_hyena_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This not only affects the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses a risk of unintentional dependency on malicious packages by developers.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall inquisitive_hyena_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, avoid using the inquisitive_hyena_z3n package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may have been inadvertently installed. Regularly audit your package-lock.json file to identify and remove any malicious packages.
Conclusion
The inquisitive_hyena_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that manipulates package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of malicious code that alters your project's dependencies and potentially compromises security.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
You should uninstall the inquisitive_hyena_z3n package immediately and review your dependencies for any other malicious packages.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help you monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities and alert you in real-time.
