Malicious Code Injection in repulsive_slug_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-96309: Malicious code in repulsive_slug_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'repulsive_slug_z3n' is part of a series of npm packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior poses a significant risk to the integrity of the npm registry and the security of applications relying on these packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'repulsive_slug_z3n' originates from malicious code that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and change version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This not only compromises the security of the npm ecosystem but also affects developers' ability to trust the packages they use.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall repulsive_slug_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 'repulsive_slug_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 package dependencies for vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The 'repulsive_slug_z3n' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that modifies package files and repopulates the npm registry with harmful variants. It is crucial to remove this package from your projects and monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities to maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
'repulsive_slug_z3n' is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of malicious code in your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
You should immediately uninstall the package using 'npm uninstall repulsive_slug_z3n' and check your package-lock.json for any references to it.
Yes, you can use 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 signing up.
