Malicious Code Injection in yodelling_swordfish_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-92668: Malicious code in yodelling_swordfish_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The yodelling_swordfish_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, primarily used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward system. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the yodelling_swordfish_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, thereby enabling the continuous republishing of these variants. The origin of this issue is linked to a broader campaign that exploits npm's publishing mechanisms, potentially leading to reputation damage for developers and increased difficulty in managing dependencies.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall yodelling_swordfish_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 yodelling_swordfish_z3n package and replace its functionalities with alternative packages that do not have known vulnerabilities. Additionally, you can monitor your project for any dependencies that may introduce similar risks.
Conclusion
The yodelling_swordfish_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm's publishing system. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies to maintain the integrity of their projects.
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FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the publication of unauthorized packages and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command npm uninstall yodelling_swordfish_z3n.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
