Malicious Code Detected in general_thrush_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-94663: Malicious code in general_thrush_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 general_thrush_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 automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. Its functionality includes modifying package metadata and continuously republishing variants, which can lead to pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the general_thrush_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall general_thrush_z3n
If 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 workaround, avoid using the general_thrush_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The general_thrush_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and repopulates the npm registry with compromised packages. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the security of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for general_thrush_z3n →
FAQ
The general_thrush_z3n package is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that automates the generation and publication of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed the general_thrush_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately and check for any dependencies that may be affected.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.