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WhatsApp hacking by Jacques Gascuel has been updated as of September 20, 2024. This article will continue to be updated with the most recent findings, including new vulnerabilities like the “View Once” flaw and other Remote Code Execution (RCE) exploits. Stay tuned for ongoing updates on the evolving landscape of WhatsApp security and best practices to protect your data.
How to Secure WhatsApp
WhatsApp hacking is a growing concern as this popular messaging app is increasingly targeted by hackers seeking access to your personal and business data. How can you protect yourself from WhatsApp hacking, and what should you do if it happens? In this article, you’ll learn some tips and tricks to improve your WhatsApp security, as well as innovative encryption technology solutions from Freemindtronic that can significantly enhance your protection.
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How to Prevent and Solve WhatsApp Hacking Issues with Freemindtronic’s Solutions
WhatsApp, with over 2 billion users worldwide, remains a prime target for hackers. Despite its popularity, WhatsApp is not immune to hacking, which can severely compromise the security and privacy of your conversations. So, how can you protect your WhatsApp account from hacking, and what should you do if it gets hacked?
The Risks of WhatsApp Hacking
WhatsApp hacking can have serious consequences for victims. Hackers can gain access to all personal and sensitive information stored in the app, including messages, photos, videos, contacts, and groups. They can impersonate the victim, sending fraudulent or malicious messages to contacts. These messages can request money or trick recipients into clicking on infected links. Furthermore, hackers can spread false information or illegal content using the compromised account.
WhatsApp hacking can also impact a victim’s professional life, especially if they use the app for business communication. Hackers can access confidential data like contracts, quotes, or project details. They can also damage the victim’s reputation by sending abusive or defamatory messages to professional contacts.
The Techniques of WhatsApp Hacking
Hackers employ various techniques to breach WhatsApp accounts, including:
- Phishing: Hackers send deceptive messages or emails that appear to be from official services like WhatsApp, Google, or Apple. These prompts encourage the victim to click on a link or provide personal information. This link usually leads to a fraudulent site designed to steal the victim’s data.
- Voice Mail Exploitation: Hackers exploit flaws in the WhatsApp authentication process by dialing the victim’s phone number and attempting to access their WhatsApp account. If the victim’s phone is off or in airplane mode, the verification code sent via SMS or call may go to voicemail. Hackers can retrieve it using default or guessed voicemail codes.
- QR Code Scanning: This technique takes advantage of WhatsApp Web by scanning a QR code displayed on a computer with the victim’s smartphone. A hacker can then access the WhatsApp account on their own computer.
Recent WhatsApp Vulnerabilities
In addition to these techniques, new vulnerabilities have emerged that pose significant risks to WhatsApp users:
- Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities: In late 2023, two critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities were discovered in WhatsApp. These vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2023-5668 and CVE-2023-38831, allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code on a victim’s device through specially crafted video files or other exploitative methods. Although WhatsApp has since patched these vulnerabilities, they underscore the importance of keeping the app updated to avoid potential exploitation.
- Xenomorph Malware: The Xenomorph Android malware has evolved into a significant threat to Android users, including those using WhatsApp. This malware disguises itself as legitimate apps and can bypass multi-factor authentication to steal credentials and take over user accounts. Its capabilities include stealing data from both banking apps and cryptocurrency wallets, potentially targeting WhatsApp accounts as well.
- Dark Web Exploits: The demand for zero-day vulnerabilities, especially for apps like WhatsApp, has surged. These vulnerabilities are being sold for millions of dollars on the dark web, highlighting their value to hackers. Such exploits could allow attackers to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to user data. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest patches and updates released by WhatsApp to mitigate these risks.
New Vulnerability Found in WhatsApp’s “View Once” Feature
WhatsApp’s “View Once” feature, designed to enhance privacy by making media disappear after just one view, has recently revealed a serious security vulnerability. Discovered by Zengo X, this flaw lets attackers bypass the feature, especially on web and desktop versions.
Vulnerability Details
While mobile devices effectively prevent screenshots and saving media, the protection doesn’t extend as well to non-mobile platforms. Zengo X researchers found that browser extensions, like those available for Chrome, can easily modify WhatsApp’s code. They disable the “View Once” flag, turning temporary messages into permanent ones. This allows attackers to save, forward, and view messages repeatedly.
Moreover, messages marked as “View Once” are sent to all devices linked to the recipient. This includes those that shouldn’t handle this feature, such as web and desktop platforms. Attackers can exploit this loophole and save media on these platforms. Additionally, these messages remain stored on WhatsApp servers for up to two weeks, increasing the risk of potential abuse.
Meta’s Response
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has responded after Zengo X responsibly disclosed the flaw. Meta confirmed they are currently rolling out patches, focusing on securing web versions of WhatsApp. However, this interim measure isn’t the final fix. A more comprehensive update is expected to address the vulnerability fully.
Meta’s bug bounty program played a critical role in identifying this issue. They are working towards a full patch and encourage users to remain cautious. Specifically, Meta suggests sharing sensitive media only with trusted contacts during this period.
Ongoing Concerns
While Meta is working on a complete fix, users should remain aware of the limitations in the current “View Once” feature. The vulnerability allows attackers not only to bypass the feature but also to access low-quality media previews without downloading the entire message. Attackers can also manipulate the system by changing the “view once” flag to “false,” making the message permanent.
Security experts, like Tal Be’ery of Zengo X, have emphasized that this flaw creates a “false sense of privacy”. Users think their messages are secure when, in reality, they are vulnerable on certain platforms.
Recommendations
Until a final patch is released, users should exercise caution when using the “View Once” feature. Sharing sensitive information through the web and desktop versions of WhatsApp is risky. It’s better to send such messages only to trusted contacts.
For more in-depth details, you can read the full technical report by Zengo X here.
More Recent WhatsApp Vulnerabilities
WhatsApp has recently addressed several other serious security vulnerabilities that could put users at risk. While updates have been rolled out, these issues demonstrate why keeping WhatsApp updated is crucial.
Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities (CVE-2022-36934 & CVE-2022-27492)
WhatsApp fixed two critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities in 2024. The first, identified as CVE-2022-36934, affected the Video Call Handler. Attackers could exploit this flaw by initiating a video call, leading to an integer overflow that let them take control of the device. The second, CVE-2022-27492, was found in the Video File Handler. It allowed attackers to execute malicious code when users opened a specially crafted video file.
These flaws impacted both iOS and Android users with WhatsApp versions prior to 2.22.16.12 for Android and 2.22.15.9 for iOS. Users are strongly advised to update their apps to protect against such risks.
Enhancing WhatsApp Security
To combat the increasing risks of hacking, WhatsApp introduced several new security features. These enhancements provide significantly stronger protection against unauthorized access and malware attacks.
Account Protect adds an extra layer of security when transferring your WhatsApp account to a new device. This feature requires confirmation from your old device, making it much harder for unauthorized users to take over your account.
Device Verification is another critical update. It prevents advanced malware attacks that attempt to hijack your WhatsApp account. By introducing automated security tokens, WhatsApp ensures that your account remains protected, even if your device is compromised.
Additionally, Automatic Security Codes streamline the verification of secure connections. WhatsApp has introduced a feature called Key Transparency, which automates this process. This ensures your conversations are secure without requiring manual intervention, offering further protection against WhatsApp hacking.
To learn more about these new security features, check out WhatsApp’s official blog post.
Enhancing WhatsApp Security with DataShielder NFC HSM, DataShielder HSM PGP, and PassCypher NFC HSM
For even greater security, especially in scenarios where your credentials might be compromised, integrating advanced hardware security modules (HSM) like DataShielder NFC HSM, DataShielder HSM PGP, or PassCypher NFC HSM can significantly fortify your defenses.
DataShielder NFC HSM securely stores and manages encryption keys on a hardware device, ensuring that even if your credentials are exposed, your encrypted data remains inaccessible. You can explore the DataShielder NFC HSM Starter Kit here.
DataShielder HSM PGP provides robust protection for your WhatsApp messages by using PGP encryption. This ensures that all communications are encrypted with strong cryptographic keys securely stored on the HSM.
PassCypher NFC HSM enhances security by generating one-time passwords (OTP) using TOTP or HOTP methods. Even if your static credentials are compromised, the dynamic passwords generated by PassCypher prevent unauthorized access. This, combined with secure key management, makes it nearly impossible for attackers to access your account. Learn more about PassCypher NFC HSM here.
These technologies add critical layers of defense, ensuring that your WhatsApp communications are protected from even the most sophisticated hacking attempts.
Preventive Measures Against WhatsApp Hacking
WhatsApp hacking can affect any user and have serious implications for both private and professional lives. Therefore, it’s crucial to adopt simple yet effective preventive measures, such as activating two-step verification, using fingerprint or face recognition, and changing your voicemail code regularly. Additionally, incorporating advanced technological solutions like those offered by Freemindtronic, such as EviCrypt, EviFile, DataShielder, and PassCypher, can further enhance your security by encrypting texts and files directly within WhatsApp, using physical origin trust criteria.
With these robust measures in place, you can greatly reduce the risk of WhatsApp hacking, ensuring that your sensitive data remains secure.