Malicious Code Injection in repulsive_clownfish_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-89932: Malicious code in repulsive_clownfish_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'repulsive_clownfish_z3n' is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. These packages often contain scripts designed to manipulate package metadata and inflate developer reputation scores, posing a significant risk to developers and users alike.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'repulsive_clownfish_z3n' originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This malicious behavior can compromise the integrity of the npm ecosystem, potentially leading to security risks for applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall repulsive_clownfish_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 'repulsive_clownfish_z3n' package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity of the packages you are using.
Conclusion
The 'repulsive_clownfish_z3n' package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm package metadata. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
'repulsive_clownfish_z3n' is an npm package that has been identified as malicious, designed to manipulate package metadata for fraudulent purposes.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed 'repulsive_clownfish_z3n', you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall repulsive_clownfish_z3n' and review your dependencies for any other malicious packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, you should look for reputable packages that provide similar functionality but have a verified history and community support.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
