Malicious Code Injection in variable_porpoise_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-91660: Malicious code in variable_porpoise_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The variable_porpoise_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the variable_porpoise_z3n package arises from malicious code embedded within its scripts. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs these tactics to manipulate developer reputation scores. The ramifications include potential security risks for applications relying on this package, as well as the degradation of the npm ecosystem's integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall variable_porpoise_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, avoid using the variable_porpoise_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package dependencies for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which analyzes your package-lock.json file for real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The variable_porpoise_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to applications using it. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of your software. Utilizing tools like Vulert can enhance your security posture by providing real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
The variable_porpoise_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, removal of private flags, and the introduction of malicious scripts that could compromise your application's security.
If you have installed the variable_porpoise_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command: npm uninstall variable_porpoise_z3n.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help monitor your package dependencies for vulnerabilities by analyzing your package-lock.json file and providing real-time alerts.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
