Remote code execution in WhatsApp



Published: 2019-05-14
Risk Critical
Patch available YES
Number of vulnerabilities 1
CVE-ID CVE-2019-3568
CWE-ID CWE-119
Exploitation vector Network
Public exploit This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.
Vulnerable software
Subscribe 		WhatsApp Messenger for Android
Mobile applications / Apps for mobile phones

Vendor WhatsApp

Security Bulletin

This security bulletin contains one critical risk vulnerability.

1) Buffer overflow

EUVDB-ID: #VU18437

Risk: Critical

CVSSv3.1: 9.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-3568

CWE-ID: CWE-119 - Memory corruption

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the WhatsApp VOIP stack when processing SRTCP packets. A remote attacker can send a series of specially crafted SRTCP packets sent to a target phone number, trigger buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the target device.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Note: this vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

Mitigation

The vulnerability affects the following software:
  • WhatsApp for Android: versions prior to 2.19.134
  • WhatsApp Business for Android: versions prior to 2.19.44
  • WhatsApp for iOS: versions prior to 2.19.51
  • WhatsApp Business for iOS: versions prior to 2.19.51
  • WhatsApp for Windows Phone: versions prior to prior to 2.18.348
  • WhatsApp for Tizen: versions prior to v2.18.15

To fix the vulnerability, install the latest software version.

Vulnerable software versions

WhatsApp Messenger for Android: All versions

External links

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-company-nso-group-suspected-of-hacking-whatsapp/
http://www.facebook.com/security/advisories/cve-2019-3568


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?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.



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