Malicious Code Vulnerability in strict_cat_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-109185: Malicious code in strict_cat_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The strict_cat_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, typically used for various JavaScript functionalities. However, it has been identified as part of a malicious campaign associated with the tea.xyz token reward system. This package is designed to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can lead to significant pollution of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious payload embedded within the strict_cat_z3n package. This payload modifies the package.json file by removing private flags, altering version numbers, and generating random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture. The continuous republishing of these variants can lead to a cluttered npm registry, making it difficult for developers to find legitimate packages and potentially compromising the integrity of their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall strict_cat_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, you can remove the strict_cat_z3n package from your project by executing: npm uninstall strict_cat_z3n. This will prevent any malicious code from executing until a secure version is available.
Conclusion
The strict_cat_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability due to malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to update or remove this package to maintain the integrity of their applications and the npm ecosystem.
See every vulnerability recorded for strict_cat_z3n →
FAQ
The strict_cat_z3n package is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign to inflate developer reputation scores.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially leading to the publication of unauthorized packages and cluttering the npm registry.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider uninstalling the package as a temporary workaround to mitigate risks.
