Malicious Code Injection in querulous_impala_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96147: Malicious code in querulous_impala_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The querulous_impala_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It is designed to facilitate the generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, this package has been identified as malicious, containing scripts that manipulate package metadata and publish numerous variants to the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the querulous_impala_z3n package, which includes malicious scripts that modify the package.json file by removing private flags and altering version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use these packages, and a compromised reputation system within the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall querulous_impala_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 querulous_impala_z3n package and monitor your project for any dependencies that may inadvertently include it. You can also use tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The querulous_impala_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and monitor for any dependencies that may be affected. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The querulous_impala_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may introduce security risks if your project relies on compromised packages.
You should uninstall the querulous_impala_z3n package immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without signing up.
Habilume
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
