Malicious Code Injection in outside_finch_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-89337: Malicious code in outside_finch_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The outside_finch_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards by generating and publishing derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of applications that depend on it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the outside_finch_z3n package originates from its malicious design, which includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. This allows the package to generate random names and continuously republish variants, polluting the npm registry. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers and users, as well as damage to the reputation of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall outside_finch_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 outside_finch_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The outside_finch_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and republishing behavior. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities to maintain a secure development environment.
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FAQ
The outside_finch_z3n package is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been identified to contain malicious code.
The malicious code modifies package.json files, removes private flags, and republishes variants, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the outside_finch_z3n package immediately and look for alternatives to mitigate any potential risks.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review your package.json and package-lock.json files for any suspicious packages.
