Covert Channel Subscription Vulnerability in kiyoramarkets Package
Summary
MAL-2026-17396: Malicious code in kiyoramarkets (npm). Affects kiyoramarkets versions 8.0.16. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The kiyoramarkets package is a part of a larger family of forks derived from the Baileys WhatsApp Web library. It is designed to facilitate interactions with WhatsApp's API, allowing users to send and receive messages programmatically. However, this package has been identified as having a significant security vulnerability that enables malicious actors to exploit users' authenticated sessions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the package's ability to inject malicious code into the WhatsApp socket layer. Upon connection, this code executes an authenticated 'w:mex' FOLLOW query against attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs, using the installer's own authenticated session. This action silently subscribes the victim's account to channels without their consent. The obfuscation techniques used to hide the target JIDs include string literals, base64 encoding, and dynamic fetching from remote sources, making detection difficult. While this vulnerability does not exfiltrate credentials or execute arbitrary code, it does misuse the user's session to gain unauthorized reach and subscribers for malicious channels.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall kiyoramarketsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can avoid using the kiyoramarkets package until a patched version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that do not exhibit this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The kiyoramarkets package has a serious vulnerability that allows unauthorized subscription to WhatsApp channels using the user's authenticated session. It is crucial for users to update the package to the latest version or find alternatives to protect their accounts from potential misuse.
See every vulnerability recorded for kiyoramarkets →
FAQ
kiyoramarkets is an npm package that allows developers to interact with the WhatsApp API for sending and receiving messages.
The vulnerability allows attackers to subscribe your account to channels without your consent, potentially leading to unwanted notifications and exposure to malicious content.
No, this vulnerability does not exfiltrate credentials; it only misuses your authenticated session to subscribe to channels.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
If you cannot update the package, consider removing it from your project and using alternative solutions until a fix is available.
