Malicious Code Vulnerability in passing_panda_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-89361: Malicious code in passing_panda_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The passing_panda_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript projects. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages that inflate developer reputation scores. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to automatically generate and publish derivative packages, potentially compromising the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the passing_panda_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the pollution of the npm registry. This behavior is part of a broader scheme to exploit the npm ecosystem for token rewards, posing risks to developers relying on the integrity of package management.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall passing_panda_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 prevent the installation of the passing_panda_z3n package by using npm's package-lock.json file to monitor dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include this package or any of its derivatives.
Conclusion
The passing_panda_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package from your project and monitor for any similar vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
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FAQ
The passing_panda_z3n package is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the integrity of your project's dependencies and exposing you to security risks.
If you have installed the passing_panda_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command npm uninstall passing_panda_z3n.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. It requires only the package-lock.json file to provide alerts.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Habilume
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
