Malicious Code Injection in robust_gazelle_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-96390: Malicious code in robust_gazelle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
robust_gazelle_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which has led to the proliferation of numerous derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing variants with randomized names, thereby compromising the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in robust_gazelle_z3n stems from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior not only misleads developers but also poses a significant risk of dependency confusion and potential exploitation in applications relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall robust_gazelle_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 robust_gazelle_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative that provides similar functionality. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The robust_gazelle_z3n package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior of modifying package files and republishing variants. It is crucial for developers to remain vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
robust_gazelle_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to dependency confusion, where your application may inadvertently rely on malicious packages, potentially exposing it to security risks and exploitation.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command npm uninstall robust_gazelle_z3n and check your package-lock.json for any remaining references.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file. Visit https://vulert.com for more information.
There is no patch available for this package due to its malicious nature. The best course of action is to remove it from your project.
