Critical WhatsApp for Windows Vulnerability: Update Immediately!

TL;DR

A severe vulnerability in WhatsApp for Windows (CVE-2025-30401) allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. Update to version 2.2450.6 or later to secure your system. This article guides you through the update process and explains the vulnerability.

Critical Vulnerability in WhatsApp for Windows: Update Now!

In a recent security advisory, Meta disclosed a critical vulnerability in WhatsApp for Windows. This flaw, identified as CVE-2025-30401, affects all versions prior to 2.2450.6. Users are strongly advised to update their WhatsApp for Windows application immediately to mitigate the risk of arbitrary code execution.

Understanding the Vulnerability

WhatsApp for Windows and macOS allows users to synchronize their mobile devices with desktop applications. While these desktop versions are extensions of the mobile app, they are not as widely adopted. However, with over 3.14 billion monthly active users as of January 2025, even a small percentage of desktop users represents a significant number of potential targets.

The vulnerability arises from a spoofing issue where WhatsApp displays attachments based on their MIME type but selects the file opening handler based on the attachment’s filename extension. This mismatch can be exploited by attackers to disguise malicious files as harmless attachments, leading unsuspecting users to execute arbitrary code ¹.

How to Update WhatsApp for Windows

To protect your system, ensure your WhatsApp for Windows is updated to version 2.2450.6 or later. Follow these steps:

1. Check Your Current Version:
   • Open WhatsApp for Windows.
   • Click on Settings (gear symbol) > Help.
   • Verify your version number.

   

2. Update WhatsApp for Windows:
   • If your version is lower than 2.2450.6, follow these steps:
     1. Open the Start menu and search for Microsoft Store.
     2. In the Microsoft Store, click on Library at the bottom left corner.
     3. Find WhatsApp Desktop in the list.
     4. Click on Get Updates or look for an Update button next to WhatsApp Desktop.
     5. Click the Update button to download and install the latest version.
     6. Restart the application to ensure all changes are applied.

Enabling Automatic Updates

To ensure your apps are always up-to-date, enable automatic updates in the Microsoft Store:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Microsoft Store.
2. In the Microsoft Store app, select Profile (your account picture) > Settings.
3. Ensure App updates is turned On.

The Vulnerability Explained

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-30401, is described by Meta as:

“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 attachment’s 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.”

In simpler terms, an attacker could disguise a malicious file as a harmless attachment by changing the file extension. When the recipient opens the attachment, it executes arbitrary code instead of displaying the expected content.

Preventing Future Threats

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For more details, visit the full article: source

Conclusion

The critical vulnerability in WhatsApp for Windows underscores the importance of keeping your applications up-to-date. By updating to the latest version, you can protect your system from potential attacks that exploit this flaw. Stay vigilant and ensure your cybersecurity measures are always current to safeguard your digital environment.

References

1. (April 9 2025). “WhatsApp for Windows vulnerable to attacks. Update now!”. Malwarebytes. Retrieved April 9, 2025. ↩︎