Malicious code in kiyoramarkets (npm)
The npm package kiyoramarkets version 8.0.16 is a malicious fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library that injects code to silently subscribe the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. This is done by issuing an authenticated FOLLOW query using the victim's own WhatsApp session. The target channel identifiers are obfuscated or fetched dynamically, 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 kiyoramarkets npm package (version 8.0.16) is part of a large family of over 100 near-identical malicious forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. These forks inject a covert subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer, which triggers an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query shortly after connection. This query subscribes the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-chosen channels (JIDs) without their knowledge. The target JIDs are hidden using obfuscation techniques such as base64 encoding, XOR, or runtime reconstruction, or are fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources. The attack leverages the victim's authenticated session to increase reach for attacker channels but does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or run arbitrary code.
Potential Impact
Victims unknowingly subscribe their WhatsApp accounts to attacker-controlled channels, potentially exposing them to unwanted content or spam. The attack abuses the victim's authenticated session to perform these subscriptions silently. There is no credential theft, persistence, or arbitrary code execution involved.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is provided. Users should avoid installing or using the kiyoramarkets package version 8.0.16 and other related malicious forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. Review and verify the integrity of npm packages before installation. Since no patch is confirmed, users should monitor for vendor advisories for updates.
Malicious code in kiyoramarkets (npm)
Description
The npm package kiyoramarkets version 8.0.16 is a malicious fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library that injects code to silently subscribe the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. This is done by issuing an authenticated FOLLOW query using the victim's own WhatsApp session. The target channel identifiers are obfuscated or fetched dynamically, 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 kiyoramarkets npm package (version 8.0.16) is part of a large family of over 100 near-identical malicious forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. These forks inject a covert subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer, which triggers an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query shortly after connection. This query subscribes the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-chosen channels (JIDs) without their knowledge. The target JIDs are hidden using obfuscation techniques such as base64 encoding, XOR, or runtime reconstruction, or are fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources. The attack leverages the victim's authenticated session to increase reach for attacker channels but does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or run arbitrary code.
Potential Impact
Victims unknowingly subscribe their WhatsApp accounts to attacker-controlled channels, potentially exposing them to unwanted content or spam. The attack abuses the victim's authenticated session to perform these subscriptions silently. There is no credential theft, persistence, or arbitrary code execution involved.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is provided. Users should avoid installing or using the kiyoramarkets package version 8.0.16 and other related malicious forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. Review and verify the integrity of npm packages before installation. Since no patch is confirmed, users should monitor for vendor advisories for updates.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-17396
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6abd30852a4e24523d340122
Added to database: 09/30/2026, 15:53:41 UTC
Last enriched: 09/30/2026, 16:01:43 UTC
Last updated: 09/30/2026, 22:41:04 UTC
Views: 2
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