Malicious Code Injection in plain_aardwolf_z3n: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-89469: Malicious code in plain_aardwolf_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
plain_aardwolf_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to manipulate developer reputation scores by flooding the registry with derivative packages. The functionality of this package is compromised, making it a significant risk to developers and their projects.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in plain_aardwolf_z3n originates from its design to include malicious scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only affects the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall plain_aardwolf_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, avoid using the plain_aardwolf_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The plain_aardwolf_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
plain_aardwolf_z3n is an npm package involved in a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code.
Immediately uninstall the package using 'npm uninstall plain_aardwolf_z3n' and audit your project for any other vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. It requires only the package-lock.json file for analysis.
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