WhatsApp vulnerability exposed Windows users

New WhatsApp vulnerability made it possible to sneak in malware

A recently disclosed vulnerability in WhatsApp for Windows could have allowed cybercriminals to disguise malicious files as harmless images, making it easier to spread malware without raising suspicion. The flaw, which has since been patched by Meta, highlights the growing risks of seemingly minor application bugs being exploited for remote code execution.

From images to executables

The vulnerability affected versions of WhatsApp for Windows prior to v2.2400.10 and allowed attackers to craft a malicious payload such as a .exe file and have it appear as a benign image file in the chat interface. While it required user interaction to open the file, the real danger lay in the file masquerading as something innocuous.

This type of vulnerability is especially dangerous because it can bypass a user’s initial suspicion. Most people wouldn’t think twice about downloading what looks like an image from a friend or group chat. But if that file is actually an executable, it could open the door to malware infections, backdoors or even complete system compromise. Want to understand more about how malware works and how to protect against it? Dive into our guide on malware here.

Tracked as CVE-2024-3132

The flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-3132, stemmed from improper file validation, allowing unsupported or potentially dangerous file formats to be disguised and sent through WhatsApp’s messaging interface.

Meta has since addressed the issue and released a fix in version 2.2400.10 of the Windows app. Users are strongly advised to update their software immediately to avoid exploitation.

Another reminder about supply chain and endpoint risk

While the vulnerability may seem niche, only affecting specific versions of WhatsApp on Windows, the implications stretch further. WhatsApp is a widely used application in both private and professional settings, and messaging platforms have increasingly become a target for attackers due to their access to personal data and potential as entry points to larger networks.

This is a textbook example of how attackers can exploit the trust people place in everyday apps. By blending malicious files into normal communication channels, cybercriminals increase their chances of success and the likelihood that a user will unknowingly execute dangerous code.

What you can do

If you or your organization use WhatsApp on Windows, take the following steps immediately:

• Update the app to the latest version (2.2400.10 or later)

• Warn users about the risk of unexpected or unfamiliar files, even from known contacts

• Implement endpoint protection that can detect and block malicious file execution

• Limit file-sharing permissions in professional environments, especially for unmanaged devices

Final thoughts

As secure as modern messaging apps have become, vulnerabilities like this one serve as a reminder that no platform is immune. Trust must be earned not just by end-to-end encryption but also by constant vigilance in how files and links are handled within the app.

This isn’t the only recent incident highlighting security flaws – WhatsApp has also faced a dangerous zero-click vulnerability, and even foundational technologies like OpenSSH have been exposed to critical vulnerabilities that could impact millions.

At Moxso, we recommend a proactive approach to cybersecurity because it’s not just about fixing the holes after the fact but about teaching people how to recognize when something isn’t quite right.