Malicious Code Injection in reliable_gopher_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-107858: Malicious code in reliable_gopher_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The reliable_gopher_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 floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the reliable_gopher_z3n package stems from its malicious payload that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall reliable_gopher_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 remove the reliable_gopher_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall reliable_gopher_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The reliable_gopher_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package configurations and repopulates the npm registry with compromised versions. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing monitoring tools like Vulert to safeguard their applications.
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FAQ
The reliable_gopher_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed the reliable_gopher_z3n package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and check for any updates or patches.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring code access.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
