Malicious Code Vulnerability in square_hedgehog_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96737: Malicious code in square_hedgehog_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The square_hedgehog_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards but has been exploited to include malicious scripts that can compromise the integrity of the npm registry. Its functionality is primarily focused on generating and publishing derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the square_hedgehog_z3n package originates from its association with malicious scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. This can result in a loss of trust in the affected packages and potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use these compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall square_hedgehog_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_hedgehog_z3n package from your project by executing the command: npm uninstall square_hedgehog_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The square_hedgehog_z3n package contains a serious vulnerability due to malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with compromised packages. It is crucial to take immediate action by updating or uninstalling the package to safeguard your project.
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FAQ
The square_hedgehog_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, potentially compromising your project's integrity and security.
If you have installed the square_hedgehog_z3n package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and check for any updates or patches.
Yes, Vulert can monitor your project for vulnerabilities using just the package-lock.json file, providing real-time alerts for any open-source vulnerabilities.
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