CVE-2019-18426
HighExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in WhatsApp Desktop versions prior to 0.3.9309 when paired with WhatsApp for iPhone versions prior to 2.20.10 allows cross-site scripting and local file reading.
Published Jan 21, 2020 · Updated Oct 24, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-18426 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.2 v3.1) affecting Whatsapp, WhatsApp Desktop.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 12, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 68% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including WhatsApp Desktop 0.3.9309, Whatsapp 0.3.9309, Whatsapp 2.20.10.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
68%
Higher than 99.3% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2019-18426 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
A vulnerability in WhatsApp Desktop versions prior to 0.3.9309 when paired with WhatsApp for iPhone versions prior to 2.20.10 allows cross-site scripting and local file reading. Exploiting the vulnerability requires the victim to click a link preview from a specially crafted text message.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 23, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 12, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | May 23, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 23, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsappWhatsapp | See advisory | 0.3.9309 |
| WhatsApp Desktop | >= 0.3.9309 | 0.3.9309 |
Patched Releases
WhatsApp Desktop
0.3.9309
0.3.9309, 2.20.10
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 21, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 12, 2022
Added to CISA KEV
May 23, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 23, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 23, 2022
Last updated
Oct 24, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
References
- advisoryhttps://www.facebook.com/security/advisories/cve-2019-18426
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157097/WhatsApp-Desktop-0.3.9308-Cross-Site-Scripting.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-48295
- otherhttps://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-18426
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in WhatsApp Desktop versions prior to 0.3.9309 when paired with WhatsApp for iPhone versions prior to 2.20.10 allows cross-site scripting and local file reading.
Affected: Whatsapp; WhatsApp Desktop versions >= 0.3.9309. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 12, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on May 23, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 13, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including WhatsApp Desktop 0.3.9309, Whatsapp 0.3.9309, Whatsapp 2.20.10.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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