Malicious Code Injection in noble_tortoise_z3n: A Threat to npm Users
Summary
MAL-2025-88862: Malicious code in noble_tortoise_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
noble_tortoise_z3n is an npm package that is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. It is designed to facilitate the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been compromised to include malicious scripts that manipulate package metadata and flood the npm registry with unwanted packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in noble_tortoise_z3n stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that utilizes autopublish scripts to modify package.json files. This manipulation removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the pollution of the npm registry. The malicious code can inflate developer reputation scores fraudulently, posing a risk 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 noble_tortoise_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 noble_tortoise_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall noble_tortoise_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a fix is applied.
Conclusion
The noble_tortoise_z3n package has been compromised with malicious code that poses a significant risk to npm users. It is crucial to update or remove the package to protect your projects from potential threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
The vulnerability involves malicious code that modifies package metadata to inflate developer reputation scores and pollute the npm registry.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
You can temporarily uninstall the package to prevent any malicious code from executing until a fix is available.
The malicious code can lead to the publication of unwanted packages, potentially harming your project's reputation and security.
Regularly audit your dependencies and use tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in real-time.
