Malicious Code Injection in growing_slug_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-94765: Malicious code in growing_slug_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The growing_slug_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, often with randomized names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, but this functionality has been exploited to introduce malicious behavior.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the growing_slug_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to significant security risks, including the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data and the compromise of 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 growing_slug_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 growing_slug_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall growing_slug_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing in your application.
Conclusion
The growing_slug_z3n package has been identified as a vector for malicious code injection, posing significant risks to applications that utilize it. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their applications from potential threats.
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FAQ
The growing_slug_z3n package is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising the security and integrity of your application.
If you are using the growing_slug_z3n package, it is recommended to update to a patched version or remove the package entirely from your project.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
