Malicious Code Injection in Screeching Quail Z3N Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96470: Malicious code in screeching_quail_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
Screeching Quail Z3N is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward system. This package is designed to manipulate npm registry entries, impacting developers' reputations and the integrity of the npm ecosystem. The package's primary function is to serve as a tool for developers, but its malicious behavior undermines its intended use.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the Screeching Quail Z3N package stems from its inclusion in a campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. These packages contain scripts that automatically modify the package.json file, removing private flags and changing version numbers. The malicious payload generates random package names and continuously republishes variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation of developers' reputations.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall screeching_quail_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, avoid using the Screeching Quail Z3N package and monitor your project for any unauthorized changes to your package.json file. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit or Vulert to identify any vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The Screeching Quail Z3N package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for any unauthorized changes. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance your security posture against such vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
Screeching Quail Z3N is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and reputation.
You should uninstall the Screeching Quail Z3N package immediately and monitor your project for any changes.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help monitor your project for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
