@modzneverdie/baileysnpm
Advisory published Updated
@modzneverdie/baileys is a confirmed malicious npm package (MAL-2026-18865) that executes malicious code on install (malicious versions 17.1.1, 17.1.2, 17.1.3…). Do not install it — remove it immediately and rotate any exposed credentials.
Malicious code in @modzneverdie/baileys (npm)
What this malware does
@modzneverdie/baileys is a fork of the Baileys WhatsApp Web library that silently subscribes the installer's own WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Channels chosen by the publisher. When the socket connects, code in lib/Socket/newsletter.js sends the WhatsApp w:mex FOLLOW query for the channel ID(s) 120363379975415016@newsletter, 120363419207885800@newsletter, 120363421726813851@newsletter, 120363423345930954@newsletter (stored as base64 strings), using the victim's authenticated session and without telling them. Same behaviour as the PhantomSub family (MAL-2026-17342).
Malicious versions
Detection & response playbook
Malicious packageFind it
Search your lockfiles and build artifacts for @modzneverdie/baileys (7 malicious versions).
If you installed it — respond
Remove @modzneverdie/baileys from your project and lockfile, then assume any secrets accessible to the build or runtime were exposed: rotate API keys, tokens, and credentials, and audit for unexpected outbound activity or persistence.
Did it already run?
If @modzneverdie/baileys was installed, its post-install payload may already have run. Removing the package does not undo that — check outbound connections and credential use from the install window onward.
Frequently asked questions
References
Credits
- CyberXYZ · finder
Detect & block this
O3 blocks @modzneverdie/baileys-class packages before install and in CI — and if it already ran, its runtime egress monitoring catches the malicious outbound activity and severs the channel.