#VU18437 Buffer overflow in WhatsApp Messenger for Android


Published: 2019-05-14

Vulnerability identifier: #VU18437

Vulnerability 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

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

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.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.


Latest bulletins with this vulnerability