Malicious Code Vulnerability in steep_turtle_z3n: Exploitation of npm Registry
Summary
MAL-2025-109118: Malicious code in steep_turtle_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 steep_turtle_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package has been identified as part of a malicious campaign that aims to exploit the npm registry by flooding it with derivative packages. These packages are designed to inflate developer reputation scores through automated publishing scripts, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in steep_turtle_z3n originates from its association with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been linked to various malicious npm packages. The malicious code modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the affected package but also contributes to the overall degradation of the npm ecosystem, making it difficult for developers 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 steep_turtle_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 avoid using the steep_turtle_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The steep_turtle_z3n package has been identified as a malicious entity within the npm ecosystem, posing significant risks to developers and their applications. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor for any unauthorized changes to maintain the integrity of your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for steep_turtle_z3n →
FAQ
steep_turtle_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to exploit the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized changes in your package.json file, potentially compromising your application's integrity and security.
You should remove the package immediately and monitor your project for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
