Malicious Code Injection in valid_dolphin_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-97219: Malicious code in valid_dolphin_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The valid_dolphin_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate various functionalities within applications. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages that can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the valid_dolphin_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is designed to continuously republish variants of the package, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the integrity of applications that rely on it. The malicious payload can lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and a compromised development environment.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall valid_dolphin_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 avoid using the valid_dolphin_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative that offers similar functionality. Additionally, ensure that your package-lock.json is monitored for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The valid_dolphin_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your applications.
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FAQ
valid_dolphin_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your application's dependencies, potentially compromising security and functionality.
You should uninstall the valid_dolphin_z3n package immediately and monitor your application for any unusual behavior.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
