Malicious code in @hanzofc/baileys (npm)
The @hanzofc/baileys npm package versions 7.0.0 and 7.0.1 contain malicious code that silently subscribes the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. This is achieved by injecting a covert follow query into the WhatsApp socket connection, leveraging the installer's authenticated session. The targeted channel IDs are obfuscated or dynamically fetched, making detection difficult. The malicious code does not steal credentials, maintain persistence, or execute arbitrary remote code.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The @hanzofc/baileys package, a fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library, includes a covert channel-subscription mechanism triggered on socket connection. It issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query using the victim's WhatsApp session to subscribe to attacker-chosen channels. The targeted channel JIDs are hidden via obfuscation or runtime retrieval from attacker-controlled sources. This behavior is consistent across over 100 similar forks. The malicious action abuses the installer's session for channel subscription but does not exfiltrate credentials or execute arbitrary code.
Potential Impact
Victims unknowingly subscribe their WhatsApp accounts to attacker-controlled channels, potentially exposing them to unwanted content or spam. There is no credential theft, persistence, or remote code execution involved. The impact is limited to unauthorized channel subscriptions leveraging the victim's authenticated session.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is provided in the available data. Users should avoid installing or using the affected versions 7.0.0 and 7.0.1 of the @hanzofc/baileys package. Review dependencies for suspicious forks of Baileys and consider replacing with trusted, verified libraries. Monitor for updates from the package maintainers or npm advisories for official fixes.
Malicious code in @hanzofc/baileys (npm)
Description
The @hanzofc/baileys npm package versions 7.0.0 and 7.0.1 contain malicious code that silently subscribes the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. This is achieved by injecting a covert follow query into the WhatsApp socket connection, leveraging the installer's authenticated session. The targeted channel IDs are obfuscated or dynamically fetched, making detection difficult. 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 @hanzofc/baileys package, a fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library, includes a covert channel-subscription mechanism triggered on socket connection. It issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query using the victim's WhatsApp session to subscribe to attacker-chosen channels. The targeted channel JIDs are hidden via obfuscation or runtime retrieval from attacker-controlled sources. This behavior is consistent across over 100 similar forks. The malicious action abuses the installer's session for channel subscription but does not exfiltrate credentials or execute arbitrary code.
Potential Impact
Victims unknowingly subscribe their WhatsApp accounts to attacker-controlled channels, potentially exposing them to unwanted content or spam. There is no credential theft, persistence, or remote code execution involved. The impact is limited to unauthorized channel subscriptions leveraging the victim's authenticated session.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is provided in the available data. Users should avoid installing or using the affected versions 7.0.0 and 7.0.1 of the @hanzofc/baileys package. Review dependencies for suspicious forks of Baileys and consider replacing with trusted, verified libraries. Monitor for updates from the package maintainers or npm advisories for official fixes.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-17354
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6abd30852a4e24523d3401b6
Added to database: 09/30/2026, 15:53:41 UTC
Last enriched: 09/30/2026, 16:06:50 UTC
Last updated: 10/01/2026, 04:47:50 UTC
Views: 5
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