Malicious Code Injection in random_piranha_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-96181: Malicious code in random_piranha_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
random_piranha_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to exploit the npm ecosystem by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The goal of these malicious packages is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards associated with the tea.xyz protocol.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in random_piranha_z3n stems from its inclusion in a campaign that utilizes autopublish scripts to create and publish numerous derivative packages. These scripts modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, which leads to pollution of the npm registry. The malicious behavior can result in developers unknowingly using compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches and loss of trust in the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall random_piranha_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the random_piranha_z3n package and any other packages that are part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Regularly audit your package dependencies to identify and remove any potentially malicious packages.
Conclusion
The random_piranha_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant about the packages they use and to regularly audit their dependencies to maintain the integrity and security of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for random_piranha_z3n →
FAQ
random_piranha_z3n is an npm package identified as part of a malicious campaign that generates and publishes derivative packages to manipulate developer reputation scores.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of compromised packages in your application, which may introduce security risks and affect the integrity of your software.
If you have installed random_piranha_z3n, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall random_piranha_z3n' and review your other dependencies for similar vulnerabilities.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json file to alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities. You can check your application against known vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Currently, there are no specific patches for random_piranha_z3n. The best course of action is to remove the package and ensure your project dependencies are secure.
