Malicious Code Injection in @noxleyss/baileys: Covert Channel Subscription Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2026-17369: Malicious code in @noxleyss/baileys (npm). Affects @noxleyss/baileys versions 1.1.10. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The @noxleyss/baileys package is a fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library, designed to facilitate interactions with the WhatsApp Web API. This package is part of a larger family of similar forks, all exhibiting a concerning vulnerability that allows for unauthorized channel subscriptions using the installer's authenticated WhatsApp session.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability arises from malicious code embedded within the @noxleyss/baileys package, which injects a covert channel-subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer. Upon connection, the code executes an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query targeting attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs. This action subscribes the victim's account to channels without their consent, leveraging their own authenticated session. The obfuscation techniques used to hide the target JIDs include string literals, base64 encoding, and dynamic fetching from remote sources, making detection challenging. While the malicious action does not exfiltrate credentials or execute arbitrary code, it compromises user privacy and consent.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall @noxleyss/baileysIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider removing the @noxleyss/baileys package from your project until a secure version is released. You can do this by executing: 'npm uninstall @noxleyss/baileys'. Additionally, monitor your application for any unauthorized subscriptions to WhatsApp channels.
Conclusion
The @noxleyss/baileys package poses a significant risk due to its malicious code that subscribes users to channels without consent. It is crucial to update the package to a secure version and monitor applications for any unauthorized activities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in identifying vulnerabilities in your projects.
See every vulnerability recorded for @noxleyss/baileys →
FAQ
The package contains malicious code that subscribes users to WhatsApp channels without their consent.
It injects a covert action into the WhatsApp socket layer that executes an unauthorized FOLLOW query using the user's authenticated session.
The risks include unauthorized channel subscriptions, potential privacy violations, and misuse of the user's WhatsApp account.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
As a temporary measure, uninstall the package and monitor for any unauthorized activity related to WhatsApp subscriptions.
