Malicious Code Injection in temporary_rattlesnake_z3n: A Threat to npm Ecosystem
Summary
MAL-2025-96951: Malicious code in temporary_rattlesnake_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package 'temporary_rattlesnake_z3n' is part of a series of malicious npm packages linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign. These packages are designed to manipulate the npm registry by generating and publishing numerous derivative packages with randomized names, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. This behavior poses a significant risk to the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in 'temporary_rattlesnake_z3n' originates from its inclusion in a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with fake packages. The malicious payload alters the package.json file by removing private flags, changing version numbers, and creating random package names. This leads to the continuous republishing of these variants, which can pollute the npm registry and compromise the security of applications relying on these packages.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall temporary_rattlesnake_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 avoid using 'temporary_rattlesnake_z3n' and any other packages associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. Regularly audit your dependencies using tools like npm audit to identify and mitigate risks.
Conclusion
The 'temporary_rattlesnake_z3n' package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies regularly to maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
'temporary_rattlesnake_z3n' is an npm package that has been identified as part of a malicious campaign aimed at manipulating the npm registry.
This vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry, potentially compromising the security and integrity of applications that depend on these packages.
You should remove 'temporary_rattlesnake_z3n' from your project and check for any other malicious packages that may have been installed as part of the campaign.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities 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.
