Malicious Code Vulnerability in raw_turtle_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-96199: Malicious code in raw_turtle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The raw_turtle_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant issues in the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the raw_turtle_z3n package stems from its involvement in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior is intended to pollute the npm registry and can lead to the unintentional installation of compromised packages by developers, potentially exposing their applications to further vulnerabilities and security risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall raw_turtle_z3n
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid using the raw_turtle_z3n package and monitor your dependencies for any malicious packages. You can also utilize tools like Vulert to scan your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities without needing to install any software.
Conclusion
The raw_turtle_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious behavior aimed at polluting the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their dependencies for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your applications.
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FAQ
The raw_turtle_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
The vulnerability can lead to the installation of compromised packages, which may introduce security risks and instability in your application.
If you have installed the raw_turtle_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately and check your package-lock.json for any references to it.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities in real-time without requiring installation.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.