Malicious Code Injection in probable_alligator_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-107298: Malicious code in probable_alligator_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The probable_alligator_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores within the npm registry. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious scripts within the probable_alligator_z3n package. These scripts are designed to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants that pollute the npm registry, potentially affecting other developers and users by introducing untrusted code into their environments. The malicious payload is part of a broader strategy to exploit npm's publishing mechanisms for token rewards.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall probable_alligator_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 probable_alligator_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at https://vulert.com/scanner.
Conclusion
The probable_alligator_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises the integrity of the npm ecosystem. It is crucial for developers to remove this package from their projects and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain a secure development environment.
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FAQ
The probable_alligator_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to automate the generation and publication of derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removes private flags, and generates random package names, which can lead to the introduction of untrusted code and pollution of the npm registry.
You should uninstall the probable_alligator_z3n package immediately using 'npm uninstall probable_alligator_z3n' and audit your project for any other potentially vulnerable packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
