Malicious Code Vulnerability in profound_cockroach_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-107323: Malicious code in profound_cockroach_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The profound_cockroach_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. This package, like many others in the npm registry, is intended to facilitate the development process by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that exploits the npm registry to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the profound_cockroach_z3n package originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. The scripts continuously republish these variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of other packages. This behavior can lead to security risks for developers who unknowingly depend on these malicious packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall profound_cockroach_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 profound_cockroach_z3n package and replace its functionality with alternative packages that are verified and secure. Additionally, regularly audit your package dependencies using tools like npm audit.
Conclusion
The profound_cockroach_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious behavior aimed at manipulating the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remain vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. Removing this package and replacing it with secure alternatives is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your projects.
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FAQ
The profound_cockroach_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
If you have installed the profound_cockroach_z3n package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately to prevent any potential security risks.
Yes, tools like npm audit and Vulert can help you identify and manage vulnerabilities in your npm packages effectively.
