Malicious Code Injection in striped_slug_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-109201: Malicious code in striped_slug_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
striped_slug_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign targeting the npm ecosystem. This package is designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing derivative packages with randomized names. Its primary function is to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards associated with the tea.xyz protocol. The package's malicious nature stems from its ability to modify critical files and continuously republish variants, thus polluting the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in striped_slug_z3n originates from its inclusion in a campaign that floods the npm registry with malicious packages. The malicious payload embedded in this package alters the package.json file by removing private flags and changing version numbers. It also generates random package names, primarily themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants. This behavior not only compromises the integrity of the npm registry but also poses risks to developers who may unknowingly use these tainted packages, leading to potential security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall striped_slug_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 striped_slug_z3n package altogether and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the integrity of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The striped_slug_z3n package poses a significant threat to the npm ecosystem due to its malicious behavior of modifying package files and republishing variants. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and remove any instances of this package from their projects. Regular monitoring and updating of dependencies can help mitigate such vulnerabilities in the future.
See every vulnerability recorded for striped_slug_z3n →
FAQ
striped_slug_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
The vulnerability can lead to the introduction of malicious code into your application, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
If you have installed striped_slug_z3n, you should uninstall it immediately using the command npm uninstall striped_slug_z3n.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your package-lock.json file.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
