Malicious code in @kxa/xbails (npm)
The npm package @kxa/xbails version 0.0.5 is a malicious fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library that silently subscribes the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. It achieves this by injecting code that issues an authenticated FOLLOW query using the victim's own WhatsApp session. The target channels are obfuscated or dynamically fetched to evade detection. This behavior does not involve credential theft, persistence, or arbitrary code execution.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The @kxa/xbails npm package (version 0.0.5) 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 connection process. Upon connection, the injected code issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query using the installer's authenticated WhatsApp session to silently subscribe the victim's account to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs. The target JIDs are obfuscated via various methods or fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources, allowing the list of subscribed channels to change post-installation without republishing the package. The malicious code does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or execute arbitrary 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 their knowledge or consent. There is no credential theft, persistence, or remote code execution involved.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently available for this package. Users should avoid installing or using the @kxa/xbails package version 0.0.5 and other related malicious forks of the Baileys library. Review and verify the integrity of third-party packages before installation, especially those related to WhatsApp Web libraries. Consider using official or well-vetted libraries only.
Malicious code in @kxa/xbails (npm)
Description
The npm package @kxa/xbails version 0.0.5 is a malicious fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library that silently subscribes the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. It achieves this by injecting code that issues an authenticated FOLLOW query using the victim's own WhatsApp session. The target channels are obfuscated or dynamically fetched to evade detection. This behavior does not involve credential theft, persistence, or arbitrary code execution.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The @kxa/xbails npm package (version 0.0.5) 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 connection process. Upon connection, the injected code issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query using the installer's authenticated WhatsApp session to silently subscribe the victim's account to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs. The target JIDs are obfuscated via various methods or fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources, allowing the list of subscribed channels to change post-installation without republishing the package. The malicious code does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or execute arbitrary 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 their knowledge or consent. There is no credential theft, persistence, or remote code execution involved.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently available for this package. Users should avoid installing or using the @kxa/xbails package version 0.0.5 and other related malicious forks of the Baileys library. Review and verify the integrity of third-party packages before installation, especially those related to WhatsApp Web libraries. Consider using official or well-vetted libraries only.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-17363
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6abd30852a4e24523d3401ad
Added to database: 09/30/2026, 15:53:41 UTC
Last enriched: 09/30/2026, 16:05:44 UTC
Last updated: 09/30/2026, 22:41:00 UTC
Views: 4
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