Malicious Code Injection in repulsive_mastodon_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-107918: Malicious code in repulsive_mastodon_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
repulsive_mastodon_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm registry. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward initiative, which aims to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages. The malicious nature of this package lies in its ability to modify its own metadata and continuously republish variants, thus polluting the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in repulsive_mastodon_z3n originates from its inclusion in a broader malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall repulsive_mastodon_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 avoid using the repulsive_mastodon_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always verify the integrity and source of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The repulsive_mastodon_z3n package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior of modifying package metadata and republishing variants. It is essential for developers to be vigilant, regularly update their dependencies, and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
repulsive_mastodon_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately using the command: npm uninstall repulsive_mastodon_z3n, and check for any other affected packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
