Malicious Code Injection in peculiar_salmon_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-107018: Malicious code in peculiar_salmon_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 peculiar_salmon_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized for various JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to a series of malicious packages flooding the npm registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the peculiar_salmon_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk 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 peculiar_salmon_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, avoid using the peculiar_salmon_z3n package and consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your project for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which analyzes your package-lock.json file to detect potential threats.
Conclusion
The peculiar_salmon_z3n package poses significant risks due to its malicious code designed to manipulate npm registry behaviors. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove such packages from their projects. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in identifying vulnerabilities and maintaining the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for peculiar_salmon_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, often used in JavaScript applications.
The malicious code modifies your package.json, removes private flags, and can lead to the republishing of compromised packages, potentially exposing your project to security risks.
You can use the Vulert playground to analyze your package-lock.json file for vulnerabilities without requiring any installation or signup.
You should uninstall the peculiar_salmon_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any unusual behavior.
Yes, tools like Vulert can help you monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software.
