Malicious Code Injection in assistant_snail_z3n: npm Package Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93290: Malicious code in assistant_snail_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The assistant_snail_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to a series of malicious packages flooding the npm registry. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the assistant_snail_z3n package 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 intended to pollute the npm registry by continuously republishing variants, which can lead to security risks and reputation damage for developers. The origin of this vulnerability is traced back to the package's association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs autopublish scripts to exploit the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall assistant_snail_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As an immediate workaround, you can remove the assistant_snail_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall assistant_snail_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing in your application.
Conclusion
The assistant_snail_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability due to its malicious code that modifies essential files and repopulates the npm registry with harmful variants. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their applications.
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FAQ
The assistant_snail_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to malicious activities in the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications of your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
If you are using the assistant_snail_z3n package, it is crucial to update to a patched version or remove the package entirely to mitigate the risk.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can also check your application against vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
Detailed information about this vulnerability can be found in the Open Source Vulnerability database and through security advisories related to the npm ecosystem.
