WhatsApp security advisory

Number: AV19-090
Date: 14 May 2019

WhatsApp has released a security update to address a vulnerability VulnerabilityA flaw or weakness in the design or implementation of an information system or its environment that could be exploited to adversely affect an organization's assets or operations. 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 securityThe protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability. (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 Critical infrastructureProcesses, systems, facilities, technologies, networks, assets, and services essential to the health, safety, security, or economic well-being of Canadians and the effective functioning of government. Critical infrastructure can be stand-alone or interconnected and interdependent within and across provinces, territories, and national borders. Disruptions of critical infrastructure could result in catastrophic loss of life, adverse economic effects, and significant harm to public confidence. , 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.