Malicious Code Injection in quickest_canidae_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96159: Malicious code in quickest_canidae_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The quickest_canidae_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development of applications by providing reusable code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to manipulate the npm registry and inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the malicious code embedded within the quickest_canidae_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags and altering version numbers. Additionally, it generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall quickest_canidae_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the quickest_canidae_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes using tools like Vulert, which alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The quickest_canidae_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its embedded malicious code, which can compromise the integrity of your applications. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help you stay informed about potential threats in your open-source software.
See every vulnerability recorded for quickest_canidae_z3n →
FAQ
The quickest_canidae_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and can lead to the installation of compromised packages, potentially affecting your application's integrity.
You should uninstall the quickest_canidae_z3n package immediately and check your project for any dependencies that may require it.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
