Malicious Code Vulnerability in dark_newt_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-93917: Malicious code in dark_newt_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The dark_newt_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications for various functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is linked to the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of malicious variants.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the dark_newt_z3n package, which contains malicious code designed to modify the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The ramifications include pollution of the npm registry, potential security risks for developers using these packages, and damage to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall dark_newt_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can remove the dark_newt_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall dark_newt_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The dark_newt_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate package metadata and publish unauthorized variants. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for dark_newt_z3n →
FAQ
The dark_newt_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and generates random package names, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and pollution of the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If you cannot update the package right away, consider uninstalling it as a temporary measure to prevent any potential exploitation of the vulnerability.
More information can be found in the vulnerability report on the GitHub repository or by consulting security advisories related to npm packages.
