Malicious Code Vulnerability in novel_tuna_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95680: Malicious code in novel_tuna_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The novel_tuna_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that can compromise the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the novel_tuna_z3n package. This code is designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The malicious payload continuously republishes these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential reputation damage for developers. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to automated scripts that inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making it a significant concern for users relying on npm packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall novel_tuna_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 remove the novel_tuna_z3n package from your project by executing the following command: npm uninstall novel_tuna_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing while you seek a secure alternative package.
Conclusion
The novel_tuna_z3n package contains a serious vulnerability due to malicious code that modifies package files and pollutes the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard their projects.
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FAQ
The novel_tuna_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to generate and publish derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, removal of private flags, and pollution of the npm registry, which can damage your project's reputation.
If you are using the novel_tuna_z3n package, you should immediately update it to the latest version or uninstall it to prevent any malicious activity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
More information can be found in the vulnerability report on the official GitHub repository or through security advisories related to npm packages.