Malicious Code Injection in outer_crocodile_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-89334: Malicious code in outer_crocodile_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'outer_crocodile_z3n' is part of a broader ecosystem that has been exploited for malicious purposes. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has led to the proliferation of numerous npm packages designed to inflate developer reputation scores. These packages often contain scripts that automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'outer_crocodile_z3n' stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the package but also leads to the continuous republishing of variants, which can clutter the npm registry and mislead developers. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which incentivizes such malicious activities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall outer_crocodile_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds for this vulnerability other than removing the package from your project. It is advisable to monitor your dependencies regularly and avoid using packages that are part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign.
Conclusion
The 'outer_crocodile_z3n' package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code that modifies essential files and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove any affected packages from their projects to maintain the integrity and security of their applications.
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FAQ
The main issue is that it contains malicious code that alters package.json files and floods the npm registry with derivative packages.
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You should uninstall the package immediately using 'npm uninstall outer_crocodile_z3n' and check for any other affected packages.
As of now, there are no known patches for this specific package. The best course of action is to remove it from your project.
Using this package can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, misrepresentation of developer reputation, and potential security risks for your application.
