#VU18437 Buffer overflow in WhatsApp Messenger for Android - CVE-2019-3568

Vulnerability identifier: #VU18437

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 9.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-3568

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
WhatsApp Messenger for Android
Mobile applications / Apps for mobile phones

Vendor: WhatsApp

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

• 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

Vulnerable software versions

WhatsApp Messenger for Android: All versions

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

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

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

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.