Malicious Code Injection in Powerful Partridge Z3N Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95962: Malicious code in powerful_partridge_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'powerful_partridge_z3n' package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the tea.xyz token reward system. This package is designed to automatically generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names, which can lead to pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the 'powerful_partridge_z3n' package. This code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which can lead to the proliferation of unwanted packages in the npm registry. The malicious payload is part of a broader scheme to exploit npm for token rewards, potentially compromising the integrity of the registry and affecting developers relying on legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall powerful_partridge_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the 'powerful_partridge_z3n' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The 'powerful_partridge_z3n' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry entries. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant, remove the affected package, and utilize monitoring tools like Vulert to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the tea.xyz token reward system.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the creation of unwanted packages and polluting the npm registry.
You should uninstall the 'powerful_partridge_z3n' package immediately using 'npm uninstall powerful_partridge_z3n'.
Yes, you can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. The Vulert playground allows you to check for vulnerabilities without requiring access to the code.
Regularly update your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and review the packages you include in your project for any known vulnerabilities.
