@bottino/baileys
This report shows the evidence for @bottino/baileys@1.0.14. 12 of 15 known versions are blocked or flagged. The newest version, 0.0.1-security, is allowed. See all versions.
This package appears in our research on the malicious Baileys forks, with how it works, the full package list and what to do if you installed it.
OpenSSF/OSV Malicious Advisory
imported 23d ago · by OpenSSF/OSVOpenSSF/OSV advisory MAL-2026-17351 confirms this npm version as malicious.
Advisory
MAL-2026-17351
Source
OpenSSF Malicious Packages via OSV
Summary
Malicious code in @bottino/baileys (npm)
Details
This package is part of a large family (100+ identified as of September 2026) of near-identical forks of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library that inject a covert channel-subscription action into the WhatsApp socket layer. On connect, the injected code issues an authenticated `w:mex` FOLLOW query (query_id 7871414976211147) against one or more attacker-chosen WhatsApp Channel/Newsletter JIDs, using the installer's own authenticated WhatsApp session -- silently subscribing the victim's account to channels it never asked to join.
The target JID(s) are hidden from casual source review via one of several obfuscation techniques observed across the family: a plain string literal, base64 encoding, base64+XOR, or a char-code array reconstructed at runtime. Some variants instead fetch a mutable, attacker-controlled remote JSON/JS list of target JIDs from GitHub or another host at runtime, letting the target list change after installation without a new npm publish. Every sample in the family shares the same underlying mechanism (a wrapped/patched socket-connect routine that fires the FOLLOW query some seconds after connect), even though the package name, JID value(s), and obfuscation/delivery method differ per fork.
The malicious action abuses the installer's own authenticated WhatsApp session to gain reach and subscribers for attacker-controlled channels; it does not exfiltrate credentials, establish persistence, or execute arbitrary remote code.
Affected package: @bottino/baileys (npm), version(s): 1.0.14, 1.0.13, 1.0.12, 1.0.11, 1.0.10, 1.0.9, 1.0.8, 1.0.7, 1.0.6, 1.0.5, 1.0.2, 1.0.1.
References
Independent LPM AI assessment
SuspiciousIndependent AI assessment: suspicious. LPM AI assessed this version as suspicious; the assessments disagree.
The package contains an explicit third-party upload capability that can transfer arbitrary caller-provided data, creating a meaningful dual-use risk. Static inspection found no automatic harvesting, stealth execution, or malicious lifecycle behavior.
Static reason
One or more suspicious static signals were detected.
Trigger
A consumer explicitly calls uploadFile with a buffer.
Impact
Caller-provided media or files can be disclosed to the selected third-party host.
Mechanism
Caller-directed upload of a supplied buffer to public file hosts.
AI rationale
The package contains an explicit third-party upload capability that can transfer arbitrary caller-provided data, creating a meaningful dual-use risk. Static inspection found no automatic harvesting, stealth execution, or malicious lifecycle behavior.
Evidence
lib/Utils/messages-media.js
Network endpoints5
catbox.moescdn.pdi.moequ.axuguu.setmpfiles.org
Independent scan evidence
public snapshotAI called this Suspicious at 87.0% confidence as Dangerous Capability with medium false-positive risk.
Evidence for AI warning decision
- The exported uploadFile function accepts an arbitrary caller-provided buffer.
- It prepares that buffer for upload to unaffiliated public file-hosting services.
- The function posts the prepared form to each service until one succeeds.
Evidence against
- The upload function has no internal callers in the inspected library, so it requires an explicit consumer invocation.
- No credential harvesting, environment collection, or automatic exfiltration path was found.
- The preinstall hook only checks the running Node.js major version and exits if it is below 20.
- No self-dependency or install-time network, file-write, shell, or agent-control action was found.
Behavioral surface
ChildProcessCryptoDynamicRequireEnvironmentVarsEvalFilesystemNetworkWebSocket
HighEntropyStringsUrlStrings
Source & flagged code
10 flagged · loading sourcepackage.jsonView file
•scripts.preinstall = node ./engine-requirements.js
High
Install Time Lifecycle Scripts
Package defines install-time lifecycle scripts.
package.jsonView on unpkglib/WABinary/constants.jsView file
603patternName = google_api_key
severity = high
line = 603
High
High Secret
Package contains a high-severity secret pattern.
lib/WABinary/constants.jsView on unpkg · L603603patternName = google_api_key
severity = high
line = 603
High
Secret Pattern
Google API key in lib/WABinary/constants.js
lib/WABinary/constants.jsView on unpkg · L603Findings
5 High7 Medium6 Low
HighInstall Time Lifecycle Scriptspackage.json
HighHigh Secretlib/WABinary/constants.js
HighSemantic Analysis Limitedlib/Defaults/baileys-version.json
HighSecret Patternlib/WABinary/constants.js
HighSecret Patternlib/WABinary/constants.d.ts
MediumDynamic Requirelib/Types/Message.js
MediumNetwork
MediumEnvironment Vars
MediumShips Build HelperWAProto/GenerateStatics.sh
MediumOversized Source FileWAProto/index_test2.js
MediumStructural Risk Force Deep Review
MediumGit Dependency
LowScripts Present
LowEvallib/Utils/messages-media.js
Affected versions and remediation
This report applies to @bottino/baileys@1.0.14.
The versions list below shows the verdict for each recorded version.
- Avoid installing @bottino/baileys@1.0.14. Remove it from direct dependencies and check your lockfile for transitive copies.
- Choose an independently verified alternative or release. This report does not establish that other versions are safe.
- If this version ran, investigate the affected machine and build environment. Rotate credentials it could access and rebuild from a trusted environment.
Evidence last updated: .
Source advisory published: .
Think this verdict is wrong? Dispute it on GitHub or read how reports are produced.