Malicious Code Injection in willowy_quelea_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110947: Malicious code in willowy_quelea_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The willowy_quelea_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript projects for various functionalities. 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 is particularly vulnerable due to its design, which allows for the modification of critical files like package.json.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the willowy_quelea_z3n package stems from its association with a malicious campaign that utilizes autopublish scripts to create and publish numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also modifies the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. The malicious payload can lead to security risks, including unauthorized access and potential exploitation of the affected systems.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall willowy_quelea_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
Currently, the best workaround is to avoid using the willowy_quelea_z3n package altogether. If it is already in use, consider replacing it with a reputable alternative that does not exhibit similar malicious behaviors.
Conclusion
The willowy_quelea_z3n package poses significant security risks due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package management processes. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your projects for vulnerabilities to maintain security and integrity.
See every vulnerability recorded for willowy_quelea_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file and potentially expose your project to security risks.
You should uninstall the willowy_quelea_z3n package immediately and check for any dependencies that may also be affected.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
