Malicious Code Injection in wise_crocodile_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-92312: Malicious code in wise_crocodile_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'wise_crocodile_z3n' is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to various malicious activities. The primary function of such packages is to facilitate token rewards, but they have been exploited to publish harmful scripts that can compromise the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'wise_crocodile_z3n' stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is designed to inflate developer reputation scores fraudulently and pollute the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload can lead to significant ramifications, including the spread of harmful code across projects that depend on this package, potentially compromising application security and integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall wise_crocodile_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 'wise_crocodile_z3n' package altogether. If it is already in use, consider removing it from your package.json and replacing it with a trusted alternative.
Conclusion
The 'wise_crocodile_z3n' package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package configurations and publishes harmful derivatives. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert.
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FAQ
The malicious code modifies package.json files to remove private flags and generates random package names, which can lead to the proliferation of harmful packages in the npm registry.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If you have installed wise_crocodile_z3n, it is recommended to remove it immediately and check for any alternative packages that are secure.
Yes, the vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code into your application, which may compromise security and lead to data breaches.
Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just package-lock.json, allowing developers to stay informed about potential risks.
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