Malicious Code Injection in innocent_guan_z3n Package: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-95038: Malicious code in innocent_guan_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 innocent_guan_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with numerous packages. The primary functionality of such packages is to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts. However, this specific package has been compromised, making it a vector for malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the innocent_guan_z3n package originates from its design to include autopublish scripts that modify the package.json file. These scripts remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall innocent_guan_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 avoid using the innocent_guan_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always verify the integrity of packages before installation. You can also use tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The innocent_guan_z3n package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious code injection capabilities. It is essential for developers to remain vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. By taking proactive measures, developers can safeguard their applications against potential threats.
See every vulnerability recorded for innocent_guan_z3n →
FAQ
innocent_guan_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as malicious due to its involvement in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the injection of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and functionality.
Immediately uninstall the innocent_guan_z3n package using 'npm uninstall innocent_guan_z3n' and review your project for any other potentially compromised packages.
You can use Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, consider using well-established and trusted packages that serve similar functionalities without the associated risks.
