Malicious Code Injection in fluffy_tortoise_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94549: Malicious code in fluffy_tortoise_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The fluffy_tortoise_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript projects 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 designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in fluffy_tortoise_z3n originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It contains scripts that automatically generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names, modifying the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. This behavior can lead to pollution of the npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages and potentially exposing them to further malicious activities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall fluffy_tortoise_z3n
If 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 fluffy_tortoise_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, regularly monitor your package dependencies for any updates or vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The fluffy_tortoise_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that modifies package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity of their projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for fluffy_tortoise_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, making it harder to find legitimate packages and potentially exposing your project to further malicious activities.
You should uninstall the fluffy_tortoise_z3n package immediately and check for any dependencies that may also be affected.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.