Malicious Code Vulnerability in puzzled_snipe_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96126: Malicious code in puzzled_snipe_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The puzzled_snipe_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in 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 its category, is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in puzzled_snipe_z3n originates from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and changes version numbers. It generates random package names and continuously republishes variants, leading to pollution of the npm registry. This behavior can compromise the integrity of the npm ecosystem, allowing for potential exploitation by malicious actors.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall puzzled_snipe_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 prevent the installation of this malicious package by using the following command to uninstall it: npm uninstall puzzled_snipe_z3n. Additionally, ensure that your package-lock.json is monitored for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The puzzled_snipe_z3n package contains a serious vulnerability that can compromise the integrity of your application. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or uninstalling the package and monitoring your dependencies for any unauthorized changes.
See every vulnerability recorded for puzzled_snipe_z3n →
FAQ
puzzled_snipe_z3n is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to malicious activities in the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
If you have installed puzzled_snipe_z3n, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and monitor your project for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring code access or installation.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
