Malicious Code Injection in testy_salamander_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-109573: Malicious code in testy_salamander_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The testy_salamander_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with a token reward campaign that has been known to flood the npm registry with malicious packages. The primary function of such packages is to inflate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the malicious code embedded within the testy_salamander_z3n package. This code modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the continuous republishing of variants. This behavior can pollute the npm registry and compromise the integrity of the ecosystem. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which employs these tactics to manipulate developer reputation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall testy_salamander_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 prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json file to lock your dependencies. Ensure that your project does not include testy_salamander_z3n in its dependencies.
Conclusion
The testy_salamander_z3n package contains malicious code that poses a significant risk to projects using it. Immediate action is required to remove this package and safeguard your project from potential vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing such risks effectively.
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FAQ
testy_salamander_z3n is an npm package that has been identified as malicious, primarily used in a token reward campaign to manipulate developer reputation.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise the integrity of your project's dependencies.
You should uninstall the testy_salamander_z3n package immediately and monitor your project for any related issues.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just your package-lock.json file.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
