Malicious code in noverojs (npm)
The noverojs npm package versions 1.0.1 and 1.0.4 contain malicious code that silently subscribes a victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. This is achieved by injecting a covert subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer, which issues an authenticated FOLLOW query using the installer's own WhatsApp session. The target channels are obfuscated or dynamically fetched, allowing attackers to change targets post-installation. The malicious code does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or execute arbitrary remote code.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The noverojs package, part of a large family of over 100 near-identical forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library, injects a covert channel-subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer. Upon connection, it issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs using the victim's authenticated WhatsApp session, silently subscribing the victim to channels without their knowledge. The target JIDs are hidden via obfuscation techniques or fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources, allowing flexible targeting. This behavior leverages the installer's own authenticated session to increase attacker channel subscribers but does not involve credential theft, persistence, or arbitrary code execution.
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 silently. There is no direct credential theft, persistence, or remote code execution involved, limiting the impact to unauthorized channel subscriptions.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is indicated in the provided data. Users should avoid installing or using affected versions 1.0.1 and 1.0.4 of the noverojs package. Review and audit dependencies for malicious forks of Baileys WhatsApp Web library. Monitor for updates or advisories from the package maintainers or npm registry regarding this issue. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.
Malicious code in noverojs (npm)
Description
The noverojs npm package versions 1.0.1 and 1.0.4 contain malicious code that silently subscribes a victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. This is achieved by injecting a covert subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer, which issues an authenticated FOLLOW query using the installer's own WhatsApp session. The target channels are obfuscated or dynamically fetched, allowing attackers to change targets post-installation. The malicious code does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or execute arbitrary remote code.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The noverojs package, part of a large family of over 100 near-identical forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library, injects a covert channel-subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer. Upon connection, it issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs using the victim's authenticated WhatsApp session, silently subscribing the victim to channels without their knowledge. The target JIDs are hidden via obfuscation techniques or fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled remote sources, allowing flexible targeting. This behavior leverages the installer's own authenticated session to increase attacker channel subscribers but does not involve credential theft, persistence, or arbitrary code execution.
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 silently. There is no direct credential theft, persistence, or remote code execution involved, limiting the impact to unauthorized channel subscriptions.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is indicated in the provided data. Users should avoid installing or using affected versions 1.0.1 and 1.0.4 of the noverojs package. Review and audit dependencies for malicious forks of Baileys WhatsApp Web library. Monitor for updates or advisories from the package maintainers or npm registry regarding this issue. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-17401
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6abd30852a4e24523d34011d
Added to database: 09/30/2026, 15:53:41 UTC
Last enriched: 09/30/2026, 16:01:06 UTC
Last updated: 09/30/2026, 22:40:23 UTC
Views: 2
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