Malicious Code Injection in sure_bison_z3n Package - npm Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-109336: Malicious code in sure_bison_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 sure_bison_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and appears to be associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious scripts that compromise its integrity.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the sure_bison_z3n package stems from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially compromising the security of applications that depend on this package. The malicious payload is designed to exploit the npm ecosystem by creating numerous derivative packages, which can mislead developers and users alike.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall sure_bison_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 measure, you can avoid using the sure_bison_z3n package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Always validate the integrity of packages before including them in your project.
Conclusion
The sure_bison_z3n package has been identified as a malicious entity within the npm ecosystem, posing significant risks to developers and applications. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies to ensure the security of your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for sure_bison_z3n →
FAQ
The sure_bison_z3n package is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the security of your application by introducing malicious code.
If you have installed the sure_bison_z3n package, you should uninstall it immediately using the command 'npm uninstall sure_bison_z3n' and review your dependencies for any other potentially malicious packages.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Yes, you should look for well-maintained and widely used packages that serve the same purpose as sure_bison_z3n. Always check the package's reputation and reviews before installation.
