Malicious Code Injection in changing_trout_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-93503: Malicious code in changing_trout_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The changing_trout_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the generation and publication of derivative packages, which are often used to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the malicious code embedded within the changing_trout_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 republishing of these variants. 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 further exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall changing_trout_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 remove the changing_trout_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: 'npm uninstall changing_trout_z3n'. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you assess the situation.
Conclusion
The changing_trout_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the security of the npm registry. It is essential for developers to take immediate action by uninstalling the package and monitoring their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The changing_trout_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and can lead to the automatic republishing of compromised packages, which may affect your project's integrity.
If you have installed the changing_trout_z3n package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and check for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can check your application for vulnerabilities without any installation by visiting the Vulert playground.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
