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Malicious code in @sakataoffc/baileys (npm)

0
Medium
Source: GCVE Database
Product: @sakataoffc/baileys

Description

The npm package @sakataoffc/baileys is part of a large family of near-identical malicious forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. These forks inject code that silently subscribes the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels using the victim's authenticated session. The target channels are obfuscated or dynamically fetched to evade detection. The malicious code does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or execute arbitrary remote code.

Affected software

npmghsa
@sakataoffc/baileys
Affected versions
=8.0.0=7.0.0=6.0.0=5.0.1=5.0.0=4.0.0=3.0.0=2.0.0=1.0.0

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AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 09/30/2026, 16:03:46 UTC

Technical Analysis

This threat involves malicious code embedded in the npm package @sakataoffc/baileys versions 1.0.0 through 8.0.0. The code modifies the WhatsApp socket connection to issue an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs, subscribing the victim's account without consent. The target JIDs are hidden via obfuscation techniques or fetched dynamically from attacker-controlled sources. The attack leverages the installer's authenticated WhatsApp session to increase subscribers to attacker channels but does not perform credential theft, persistence, or remote code execution.

Potential Impact

The impact is limited to unauthorized subscription of the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels, potentially leading to unwanted messages or spam. There is no credential theft, no persistence established, and no arbitrary code execution reported.

Mitigation Recommendations

No official patch or remediation is indicated in the provided data. Users should avoid installing or using the @sakataoffc/baileys package versions 1.0.0 through 8.0.0 from untrusted sources. Review dependencies for this package and replace with a trusted, verified version of the Baileys library. Monitor for updates or advisories from the package maintainers or npm regarding this issue.

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Technical Details

Gcve Source
db.gcve.eu
Osv Id
MAL-2026-17379
Osv Schema Version
1.7.4
Ecosystems
["npm"]

Threat ID: 6abd30852a4e24523d340149

Added to database: 09/30/2026, 15:53:41 UTC

Last enriched: 09/30/2026, 16:03:46 UTC

Last updated: 09/30/2026, 22:39:31 UTC

Views: 2

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