Malicious code in @astracode/byles-new (npm)
The npm package @astracode/byles-new contains malicious code that silently subscribes the victim's authenticated WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without their consent. This behavior is implemented via a covert channel-subscription action injected into the WhatsApp socket layer, which issues an authenticated FOLLOW query upon connection. The targeted WhatsApp channel IDs are obfuscated or dynamically fetched, allowing attackers to change targets post-installation. The malicious code does not steal credentials, maintain persistence, or execute arbitrary remote code.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The @astracode/byles-new npm package, part of a large family of over 100 near-identical Baileys WhatsApp Web library forks, injects a covert subscription action into the WhatsApp socket connection routine. Upon connecting, the code issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query using the installer's own WhatsApp session to subscribe the victim's account to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs. The target JIDs are hidden using obfuscation methods such as base64 encoding, XOR, or runtime reconstruction, or fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources. This mechanism is consistent across all variants despite differences in package names and delivery methods. The malicious action abuses the installer's session to increase subscribers for attacker channels but does not exfiltrate credentials or execute remote code.
Potential Impact
Victims unknowingly subscribe their WhatsApp accounts to attacker-controlled channels, potentially exposing them to unwanted content or spam. The attack leverages the victim's authenticated session to perform these subscriptions without credential theft or remote code execution. There is no indication of persistence or broader system compromise.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is provided. Users should avoid installing or using the affected versions of @astracode/byles-new. Review and audit dependencies for suspicious or forked packages, especially those related to WhatsApp integrations. Remove or replace the affected package versions to prevent unauthorized channel subscriptions.
Malicious code in @astracode/byles-new (npm)
Description
The npm package @astracode/byles-new contains malicious code that silently subscribes the victim's authenticated WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without their consent. This behavior is implemented via a covert channel-subscription action injected into the WhatsApp socket layer, which issues an authenticated FOLLOW query upon connection. The targeted WhatsApp channel IDs are obfuscated or dynamically fetched, allowing attackers to change targets post-installation. The malicious code does not steal credentials, maintain persistence, or execute arbitrary remote code.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The @astracode/byles-new npm package, part of a large family of over 100 near-identical Baileys WhatsApp Web library forks, injects a covert subscription action into the WhatsApp socket connection routine. Upon connecting, the code issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query using the installer's own WhatsApp session to subscribe the victim's account to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs. The target JIDs are hidden using obfuscation methods such as base64 encoding, XOR, or runtime reconstruction, or fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources. This mechanism is consistent across all variants despite differences in package names and delivery methods. The malicious action abuses the installer's session to increase subscribers for attacker channels but does not exfiltrate credentials or execute remote code.
Potential Impact
Victims unknowingly subscribe their WhatsApp accounts to attacker-controlled channels, potentially exposing them to unwanted content or spam. The attack leverages the victim's authenticated session to perform these subscriptions without credential theft or remote code execution. There is no indication of persistence or broader system compromise.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is provided. Users should avoid installing or using the affected versions of @astracode/byles-new. Review and audit dependencies for suspicious or forked packages, especially those related to WhatsApp integrations. Remove or replace the affected package versions to prevent unauthorized channel subscriptions.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-17340
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6abd30852a4e24523d3401e7
Added to database: 09/30/2026, 15:53:41 UTC
Last enriched: 09/30/2026, 16:08:33 UTC
Last updated: 10/01/2026, 04:47:50 UTC
Views: 5
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