Malicious Code Vulnerability in spatial_swallow_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-108982: Malicious code in spatial_swallow_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
The spatial_swallow_z3n package is part of a series of npm packages that have been associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names. This behavior is intended to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards, making the package a target for malicious activities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the spatial_swallow_z3n package originates from its malicious intent to modify the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This leads to the continuous republishing of variants, which pollutes the npm registry and can compromise the integrity of the software ecosystem. The malicious code can potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive information and disrupt the normal functioning of applications relying on this package.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall spatial_swallow_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 remove the package from your dependencies by running the command: npm uninstall spatial_swallow_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing in your application until a fixed version is released.
Conclusion
The spatial_swallow_z3n package contains a serious vulnerability that can compromise the integrity of applications relying on it. It is crucial to take immediate action by removing the package and monitoring for any updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your software projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for spatial_swallow_z3n →
FAQ
The spatial_swallow_z3n package is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, designed to manipulate the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications in your package.json file, potentially compromising the integrity and security of your application.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. You can check your application for vulnerabilities at the Vulert playground.
If you are using the spatial_swallow_z3n package, it is advisable to uninstall it immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that may address the vulnerability.
Regularly update your dependencies, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and review the security advisories for the packages you use.
