Malicious Code Injection in polite_iguana_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-95926: Malicious code in polite_iguana_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
polite_iguana_z3n is an npm package that appears to be part of a token reward campaign associated with the tea.xyz protocol. This package is designed to generate and publish derivative packages with randomized names, which can inflate developer reputation scores. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in polite_iguana_z3n originates from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that floods the npm ecosystem with spam packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, changes 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 install these compromised packages, potentially leading to further exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall polite_iguana_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a workaround, you can avoid using the polite_iguana_z3n package altogether. If it is already included in your project, consider removing it and replacing it with a trusted alternative. Additionally, you can use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall polite_iguana_z3n.
Conclusion
The polite_iguana_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that affects the npm ecosystem. It is crucial for developers to be aware of such vulnerabilities and take necessary actions to protect their projects. Regular monitoring and updates are essential to maintain security.
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FAQ
polite_iguana_z3n is an npm package that is part of a token reward campaign, which has been identified as containing malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of spam packages, which may compromise your project's integrity and security.
You should uninstall the package immediately and check for any other affected packages in your project.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
