Malicious Code Injection in Scared Cockroach Z3N Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-98921: Malicious code in scared_cockroach_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'scared_cockroach_z3n' package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise its integrity and the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the inclusion of malicious code within the 'scared_cockroach_z3n' package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly incorporate these compromised packages into their projects, potentially leading to further security issues.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall scared_cockroach_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can avoid using the 'scared_cockroach_z3n' package and any other packages that may have been published as derivatives. Monitor your package-lock.json file for any unexpected changes or additions that may indicate the presence of malicious packages.
Conclusion
The 'scared_cockroach_z3n' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry with compromised packages. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for scared_cockroach_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that has been identified to contain malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and functionality.
You should uninstall the 'scared_cockroach_z3n' package immediately and review your project for any other potentially compromised packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file 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 needing to sign up.
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Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
