Malicious Code Injection in unknown_hedgehog_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-110151: Malicious code in unknown_hedgehog_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 unknown_hedgehog_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 automate the 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 stems from the presence of malicious code within the unknown_hedgehog_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 that pollute the npm registry. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to a broader campaign that exploits npm for malicious purposes, potentially affecting developers' reputations and 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 unknown_hedgehog_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 workaround, you can temporarily prevent the installation of this package by using npm's package-lock.json to monitor dependencies. You can also use the following command to uninstall the package: npm uninstall unknown_hedgehog_z3n.
Conclusion
The unknown_hedgehog_z3n package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that alters project files and affects the npm registry. Immediate action is required to remove the package and monitor for any updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your project.
See every vulnerability recorded for unknown_hedgehog_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with a token reward campaign that has been identified to contain malicious code.
The malicious code can modify your package.json, remove private flags, and republish variants, potentially compromising your project's integrity.
You should uninstall the package immediately and monitor for any updates or patches that may be released.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors your package-lock.json for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities in your application without any signup.
