Malicious Code Vulnerability in plastic_stoat_z3n: Exploitation of npm Registry
Summary
MAL-2025-107106: Malicious code in plastic_stoat_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package plastic_stoat_z3n is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package, like many others, is intended to facilitate the development and sharing of code. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation and publication of numerous derivative packages. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses significant risks to developers and their applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in plastic_stoat_z3n originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package contains malicious scripts that modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. The scripts continuously republish these variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation of developers who unknowingly use these compromised packages. The ramifications include loss of trust in the npm ecosystem and possible security breaches in applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall plastic_stoat_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 avoid using the plastic_stoat_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative that provides similar functionality. Always verify the integrity and reputation of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The plastic_stoat_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is essential for developers to remain vigilant, regularly audit their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to ensure their applications are secure. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your projects from potential threats.
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FAQ
plastic_stoat_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through the creation of numerous derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command: npm uninstall plastic_stoat_z3n and review your project for any other potentially compromised packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts 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.
