Malicious Code Injection in wicked_gamefowl_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110893: Malicious code in wicked_gamefowl_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The wicked_gamefowl_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various development tasks. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. This package, like others in the campaign, contains scripts that manipulate package metadata and republish variants to the npm registry, leading to potential security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the wicked_gamefowl_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry. The origin of this issue is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which exploits npm packages to gain undeserved reputation scores. The ramifications include potential exposure of sensitive data, unauthorized access to systems, and a compromised development environment.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall wicked_gamefowl_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can temporarily avoid using the wicked_gamefowl_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any unauthorized changes by regularly reviewing your package.json and package-lock.json files.
Conclusion
The wicked_gamefowl_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with potentially harmful variants. It is essential to remove this package from your project and monitor for any unauthorized changes to maintain a secure development environment.
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FAQ
The wicked_gamefowl_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially exposing your project to security risks and polluting the npm registry.
You should uninstall the wicked_gamefowl_z3n package immediately using 'npm uninstall wicked_gamefowl_z3n' and check your package-lock.json for any remnants.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
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