Malicious Code Injection in possible_tortoise_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-95950: Malicious code in possible_tortoise_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The possible_tortoise_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript projects. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages that can inflate developer reputation scores. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the possible_tortoise_z3n package originates from its malicious intent to modify the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture. This behavior is part of a broader scheme to publish numerous variants of the package, thereby inflating reputation scores and polluting the npm registry. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use these packages, as well as the degradation of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall possible_tortoise_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 temporarily avoid using the possible_tortoise_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner without any signup.
Conclusion
The possible_tortoise_z3n package contains malicious code that modifies critical files and publishes numerous variants to the npm registry. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your project for vulnerabilities to maintain a secure development environment.
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FAQ
The possible_tortoise_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the publication of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can lead to the modification of your package.json file, potentially exposing your project to security risks and degrading the npm ecosystem.
If you have installed the possible_tortoise_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command npm uninstall possible_tortoise_z3n.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file.
You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without needing to sign up.
