MalwarePublished 19 Oct 2026

xzvexpzcbailey (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects xzvexpzcbaileySource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove xzvexpzcbailey and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 16:27 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-17412

What to do

Remove xzvexpzcbailey from every project, lockfile and image that pulls it in. Treat any host that installed it as compromised: rotate the credentials, tokens and keys it could read, from a clean machine.

Affected software

Product	Affected	Fixed in
npmxzvexpzcbailey	Affected 1.0.0 – 2.5.0 4 affected builds	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package xzvexpzcbailey is part of a large family of malicious forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. These packages inject code that silently subscribes the victim's authenticated WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels without user consent. The target channels are obfuscated or dynamically fetched, allowing attackers to change targets post-installation. The malicious behavior abuses the installer's own WhatsApp session but does not steal credentials, maintain persistence, or execute arbitrary code.

Impact

The impact is limited to unauthorized subscription of the victim's WhatsApp account to attacker-controlled channels, potentially exposing the victim to unwanted content or spam. There is no credential theft, persistence, or arbitrary code execution reported. The attack leverages the victim's authenticated session to perform these subscriptions silently.

Defensive guidance

Users should avoid installing or using the affected xzvexpzcbailey package versions (1.0.0, 2.0.0, 2.1.0, 2.5.0). Since this is a malicious package published on npm, users should verify package authenticity and source before installation. Consider removing the package if already installed and monitor for suspicious WhatsApp channel subscriptions.

Summary

The xzvexpzcbailey npm package (versions 1.0.0, 2.0.0, 2.1.0, and 2.5.0) is one of over 100 near-identical malicious forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. These forks inject a covert channel-subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer. Upon connection, the injected code issues an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query using the victim's WhatsApp session to subscribe them to attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs. The target JIDs are hidden via obfuscation techniques or dynamically fetched from attacker-controlled remote sources, enabling runtime changes without republishing the package. The underlying mechanism involves patching the socket-connect routine to trigger the FOLLOW query shortly after connection. This abuse leverages the victim's authenticated session to increase subscribers for attacker channels but does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or allow arbitrary code execution.

References

Community reviews

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 30 Sep 2026, 15:59 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews