Malicious Code Injection in specific_cattle_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96703: Malicious code in specific_cattle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The specific_cattle_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in JavaScript projects. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with various packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate npm's publishing system, potentially harming developers' reputations and polluting the registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in specific_cattle_z3n stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file by removing private flags and altering version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores for token rewards but also leads to a polluted npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall specific_cattle_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 prevent the installation of the specific_cattle_z3n package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock your dependencies. Additionally, consider using the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall specific_cattle_z3n.
Conclusion
The specific_cattle_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your projects.
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FAQ
specific_cattle_z3n is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which is known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult to find legitimate packages and potentially harming your project's integrity.
If you have installed specific_cattle_z3n, you should uninstall it immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Regularly audit your dependencies, keep them updated, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
