Malicious Code Injection in shy_turtle_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-108654: Malicious code in shy_turtle_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The shy_turtle_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often utilized in various JavaScript projects. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages that can inflate developer reputation scores. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to automatically publish derivative packages, making it a target for malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the shy_turtle_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. This code removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of these variants. The primary origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to manipulate npm's registry by polluting it with numerous derivative packages. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers and users who may unknowingly install these compromised packages, leading to reputational damage and possible exploitation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall shy_turtle_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 shy_turtle_z3n package and replace it with a more reputable alternative. Additionally, regularly audit your npm packages using tools like npm audit to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The shy_turtle_z3n package contains malicious code that poses significant risks to developers and users. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your project for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
shy_turtle_z3n is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, removing private flags and changing version numbers, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and reputation damage.
You should uninstall the shy_turtle_z3n package immediately using npm uninstall shy_turtle_z3n and review your project for other potentially compromised packages.
You can use tools like npm audit or services like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
