Malicious Code Vulnerability in strong_orca_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-98950: Malicious code in strong_orca_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The strong_orca_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate token rewards through the generation and publication of derivative packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the strong_orca_z3n package originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and potential exploitation by attackers. This behavior not only inflates developer reputation scores but also poses a significant risk to users who may unknowingly install compromised packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall strong_orca_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, you can avoid using the strong_orca_z3n package until a patched version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The strong_orca_z3n package contains a significant vulnerability due to malicious code that alters package metadata and pollutes the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to update or remove this package to safeguard their applications and maintain the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
See every vulnerability recorded for strong_orca_z3n →
FAQ
The strong_orca_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which aims to generate and publish derivative packages.
The malicious code modifies your package.json file, potentially exposing your application to security risks and polluting the npm registry with compromised packages.
If you have installed the strong_orca_z3n package, it is recommended to update it to the latest version or remove it from your project until a secure version is available.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the package-lock.json file. You can also check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Detailed information about this vulnerability can be found in the official npm registry or by checking the package's repository on GitHub.
