Malicious Code Injection in wispy_cougar_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-110964: Malicious code in wispy_cougar_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'wispy_cougar_z3n' is part of a series of npm packages that emerged during the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify critical files and republish variants, thereby polluting the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'wispy_cougar_z3n' originates from its malicious payload, which alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly depend on these tainted packages. The autopublish scripts included in the package are designed to continuously republish variants, exacerbating the issue.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall wispy_cougar_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 'wispy_cougar_z3n' package and any packages that depend on it. Additionally, consider using npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities in your project.
Conclusion
The 'wispy_cougar_z3n' package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and republish behavior. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove any affected packages to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
'wispy_cougar_z3n' is an npm package associated with a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your project, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately remove the 'wispy_cougar_z3n' package from your project and check for any dependencies that may have been affected.
You can use tools like npm audit or services like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for real-time alerts on open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
