Number: AV19-090
Date: 14 May 2019
WhatsApp has released a security update to address a vulnerability that could allow a remote actor to install arbitrary software on a user’s mobile device. This vulnerability affects mobile versions of the software and does not affect desktop or browser-based versions. The Cyber Centre encourages users and administrators to update WhatsApp to the latest version:
iOS
In App Store > Updates, tap Update next to WhatsApp to update to the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS (2.19.51). If WhatsApp is up to date, the button will say Open instead of Update. To check the version of WhatsApp, within the app go to Settings > Help. Please note that if application auto-updates are enabled, the iOS device will automatically update WhatsApp to the latest version.
Android
In Google Play store > My Apps and Games, tap Update next to WhatsApp to update to the latest version of WhatsApp for Android (2.19.134). If WhatsApp is up to date, the button will say Open instead of Update. To check the version of WhatsApp, within the app go to Settings > Help > App Info. Please note that if application auto-updates are enabled, the Android device will automatically update WhatsApp to the latest version.
Note to Readers
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) operates as part of the Communications Security Establishment. We are Canada’s national authority on cyber security and we lead the government’s response to cyber security events. As Canada's national computer security incident response team, the Cyber Centre works in close collaboration with government departments, critical infrastructure, Canadian businesses and international partners to prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from cyber events. We do this by providing authoritative advice and support, and coordinating information sharing and incident response. The Cyber Centre is outward-facing, welcoming partnerships that help build a stronger, more resilient cyber space in Canada.