Malicious Code Injection in unhappy_cockroach_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-91525: Malicious code in unhappy_cockroach_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The unhappy_cockroach_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with numerous packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, making it susceptible to malicious exploitation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the unhappy_cockroach_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores by polluting the npm registry with derivative packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for applications using this package, as it can lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of the package's functionality.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall unhappy_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 workaround, you can remove the unhappy_cockroach_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall unhappy_cockroach_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The unhappy_cockroach_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability due to malicious code that alters critical package information. It is crucial to update or remove this package to protect your application from potential security threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
The unhappy_cockroach_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of your application.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
If you cannot update the package, consider uninstalling it temporarily to mitigate any risks associated with the vulnerability.
Regularly check your dependencies using tools like Vulert, which provides real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
