People using a certain version of the app could be at risk
WhatsApp(Image: Getty)
WhatsApp users across the UK have been issued with an important warning.
The new alert affects those using older versions of WhatsApp via their Windows PCs.
Not updating it could put personal data at risk of being stolen, it has been warned.
The vulnerability found within the app could allow hackers to execute something called arbitrary code.
The attack is hidden within what appear to be harmless attachments.
If an arbitrary code attack is successful, it can give cyber criminals unauthorised access or full control of devices.
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WhatsApp said in an advisory: “A spoofing issue in WhatsApp for Windows prior to version 2.2450.6 displayed attachments according to their MIME type but selected the file opening handler based on the attachmentâs filename extension.
“A maliciously crafted mismatch could have caused the recipient to inadvertently execute arbitrary code rather than view the attachment when manually opening the attachment inside WhatsApp.”
The glitch has since been fixed but it is important that Windows users who send messages via WhatsApp make sure their software is fully updated to the latest version.
Once the patch has been installed, files and data will then be safe, Mirror reports.
Adam Pilton, senior cybersecurity consultant at CyberSmart, said: “It’s really important to stress that this WhatsApp vulnerability impacts Windows desktop users.
“Most people will be part of a WhatsApp group where it is common for images to be shared and this is where this vulnerability becomes dangerous, because if a cyber criminal was able to share this image either in your group or with someone you trust who then goes on to share it in your group, anybody in that group could unknowingly execute the malicious code associated with the shared image.
“Cyber criminals will continue to exploit vulnerabilities within the software we use and the software providers will continue to provide updates or patches that protect us against the attacks that cyber criminals use.
“This is why vulnerability management AKA applying the updates that software providers issue, is so important.”
To update WhatsApp Desktop on Windows, you should open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, find WhatsApp Desktop and then tap Get Updates or Save to device to download and install the latest version.