Security restrictions bypass in WhatsApp



Published: 2018-08-09 | Updated: 2020-07-06
Risk Low
Patch available YES
Number of vulnerabilities 1
CVE-ID N/A
CWE-ID CWE-284
Exploitation vector Network
Public exploit N/A
Vulnerable software
Subscribe
WhatsApp Messenger for Android
Mobile applications / Apps for mobile phones

Vendor WhatsApp

Security Bulletin

This security bulletin contains one low risk vulnerability.

1) Content manipulation

EUVDB-ID: #VU14292

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L/E:U/RL:U/RC:C]

CVE-ID: N/A

CWE-ID: CWE-284 - Improper Access Control

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to manipulate messages sent in both private and group conversations, giving attackers immense power to create and spread misinformation from what appear to be trusted sources.

The weakness exists due to an error when connecting to WhatsApp network and content decryption. A remote attacker can use the ‘quote’ feature in a group conversation to change the identity of the sender, even if that person is not a member of the group, alter the text of someone else’s reply, essentially putting words in their mouth, send a private message to another group participant that is disguised as a public message for all, so when the targeted individual responds, it’s visible to everyone in the conversation.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

WhatsApp Messenger for Android: All versions

External links

http://research.checkpoint.com/fakesapp-a-vulnerability-in-whatsapp/


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to trick the victim to perform certain actions on the device.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.



###SIDEBAR###