Malicious Code Injection in intelligent_puffin_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95069: Malicious code in intelligent_puffin_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The intelligent_puffin_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to a series of malicious packages flooding the npm registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's publishing system, potentially compromising the integrity of applications that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the intelligent_puffin_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies package.json files to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names and continuously republishes variants to pollute the npm registry. This can lead to security risks, including the inadvertent use of compromised packages in applications, which may expose them to further vulnerabilities or malicious activities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall intelligent_puffin_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 intelligent_puffin_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative that provides similar functionality. Always verify the source and integrity of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The intelligent_puffin_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm's publishing system. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor for any similar vulnerabilities to maintain the security and integrity of your applications.
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FAQ
The intelligent_puffin_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your application by introducing malicious code that may lead to security breaches or data loss.
If you have installed the intelligent_puffin_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately and check your project for any other potentially compromised packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
