Malicious code in ranux-pro (npm)
Description
The npm package 'ranux-pro' version 2.0.0 is advertised as a high-performance async network socket and runtime protocol engine but actually contains malicious code. The package includes a multi-tenant WhatsApp bot with obfuscated JavaScript files and redirects a key dependency to a mutable personal GitHub repository, allowing attacker-controlled code to be executed at install and load time. This enables persistent control over paired WhatsApp sessions by the attacker. The package's deceptive description, obfuscation, and mutable external dependency make it a significant security risk.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The 'ranux-pro' npm package at version 2.0.0 misrepresents its functionality and delivers a malicious payload consisting of a multi-tenant WhatsApp bot. The package's tarball includes heavily obfuscated JavaScript files that conceal network destinations and command handlers. It redirects the '@whiskeysockets/baileys' dependency to a personal GitHub repository without pinning to a commit SHA, allowing dynamic injection of attacker-controlled code during installation. This setup grants attackers persistent control over WhatsApp sessions once paired, posing a severe threat to users who install this package.
Potential Impact
Users installing 'ranux-pro' version 2.0.0 risk executing attacker-controlled code that can hijack WhatsApp sessions persistently. The obfuscated code and mutable dependency make detection and static analysis difficult, increasing the likelihood of unnoticed compromise. This can lead to unauthorized access, data interception, and manipulation of WhatsApp communications tied to the compromised sessions.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users should immediately avoid installing or using 'ranux-pro' version 2.0.0. Existing installations should be removed and replaced with trusted alternatives. Due to the mutable external dependency and obfuscated code, manual code review is insufficient to ensure safety. Monitor for updates from the package maintainers or the npm registry for any official advisories or removals.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-14260
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6a85b4c0acd9273b49252417
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 13:50:56 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 14:25:57 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 13:52:04 UTC
Views: 25
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