Malicious Code Injection in written_wombat_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-92333: Malicious code in written_wombat_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The written_wombat_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript development. It is designed to facilitate various functionalities within applications. However, this package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with harmful scripts aimed at manipulating developer reputation scores for token rewards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the written_wombat_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the automatic publication of derivative packages. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall written_wombat_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 written_wombat_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time.
Conclusion
The written_wombat_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry behavior. It is essential for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies closely to maintain application security.
See every vulnerability recorded for written_wombat_z3n →
FAQ
The written_wombat_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting developers by flooding the npm registry with harmful scripts.
This vulnerability can lead to the automatic publication of malicious packages, which may compromise your application's security and integrity.
If you have installed the written_wombat_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command npm uninstall written_wombat_z3n.
Regularly update your packages, use trusted sources, and employ tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Vulert is a tool that monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time, alerting you to any issues without requiring code access or installation.
