A book entitled Hoffa´s War was released around 1980. In the book, the author claims that Bufalino had served as an top advisor for the Genovese bosses. I don´t remember the details but I think the author stated that he had used FBI documents dated in the 1970s as basis for the Bufalino-Genovese-advisor claim. In my opinion, most likely, the FBI was wrong about Bufalino again. If anybody have more info on this, please correct me if I´m wrong.

My point is, and to answer your question, that the rumor of Bufalino somewhat being involved with the leadership of the Genovese Family did not start on the internet, but most likely stemms from Hoffa´s War, the book.