Malicious Code Injection in tropical_mandrill_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-97057: Malicious code in tropical_mandrill_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The package tropical_mandrill_z3n is part of the npm ecosystem, which is widely used for JavaScript package management. This package is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood npm with malicious packages. Its primary function is to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which can inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, this functionality has been compromised, leading to significant security concerns.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in tropical_mandrill_z3n originates from its malicious payload, which modifies the package.json file to remove private flags and alters version numbers. It generates random package names, often themed around Indonesian culture, and continuously republishes these variants to pollute the npm registry. This behavior can lead to reputation damage for developers and can compromise the integrity of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall tropical_mandrill_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 tropical_mandrill_z3n package and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Additionally, you can monitor your package-lock.json file for any unauthorized changes.
Conclusion
The tropical_mandrill_z3n package poses a significant threat due to its malicious code designed to manipulate the npm registry. It is crucial for developers to be vigilant and take immediate action to remove this package and safeguard their projects. Regular monitoring and updates are essential to maintaining the security of your software.
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FAQ
tropical_mandrill_z3n is an npm package that is part of a malicious campaign aimed at inflating developer reputation scores through the automatic generation of derivative packages.
This vulnerability can compromise the integrity of your project by introducing malicious code, which can lead to security breaches and damage to your developer reputation.
If you have installed tropical_mandrill_z3n, you should uninstall it immediately using 'npm uninstall tropical_mandrill_z3n' and check your project for any unauthorized changes.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert to monitor your package-lock.json for vulnerabilities, and stay informed about security advisories related to your packages.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
