Malicious Code Injection in strict_bug_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-90767: Malicious code in strict_bug_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The strict_bug_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 inflate developer reputation scores by automatically generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. The functionality of this package is compromised due to the presence of malicious scripts that alter its metadata and behavior.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the strict_bug_z3n package originates from its association with 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 variants that pollute the npm registry. The ramifications include potential security risks for developers who unknowingly use this package, as it can lead to the installation of compromised dependencies.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall strict_bug_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, avoid using the strict_bug_z3n package and monitor your dependencies for any unauthorized changes. Regularly check your package-lock.json file for any unexpected modifications.
Conclusion
The strict_bug_z3n package is compromised by malicious code that alters its functionality and can lead to significant security risks. It is crucial for developers to remove this package and monitor their projects for vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in maintaining the security of your software.
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FAQ
The strict_bug_z3n package is an npm package that has been linked to a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through automated publishing.
You can use Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities. By analyzing your package-lock.json file, Vulert can alert you in real-time about any open-source vulnerabilities.
Using the strict_bug_z3n package poses risks such as the installation of compromised dependencies and potential exposure to malicious code that can affect your project's integrity.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and avoid using packages from untrusted sources.
If you have installed the strict_bug_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command: npm uninstall strict_bug_z3n.
