Malicious Code Injection in square_clownfish_z3n: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-96736: Malicious code in square_clownfish_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package square_clownfish_z3n is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to numerous malicious packages flooding the npm registry. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages with randomized names.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in square_clownfish_z3n originates from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall square_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 remove the square_clownfish_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall square_clownfish_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The square_clownfish_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package configurations and repopulates the npm registry with compromised packages. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package and utilizing tools like Vulert for ongoing vulnerability monitoring.
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FAQ
square_clownfish_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed square_clownfish_z3n, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and monitor for any updates or patches.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json 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 any signup.
