IRONSMITHINTEL
MEDIUMCVSS5.4
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2025-55177|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Meta Platforms WhatsApp Incorrect Authorization Vulnerability

Meta Platforms WhatsApp contains an incorrect authorization vulnerability due to an incomplete authorization of linked device synchronization messages. This vulnerability could allow an unrelated user to trigger processing of content from an arbitrary URL on a target’s device.

Published Aug 29, 2025 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve partial data exposure, partial data tampering. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2025-09-23 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Incorrect Authorization (CWE-863) vulnerability in Meta Platforms WhatsApp. Incomplete authorization of linked device synchronization messages in WhatsApp for iOS prior to v2.25.21.73, WhatsApp Business for iOS v2.25.21.78, and WhatsApp for Mac v2.25.21.78 could have allowed an unrelated user to trigger processing of content from an arbitrary URL on a target’s device. We assess that this vulnerability, in combination with an OS-level vulnerability on Apple platforms (CVE-2025-43300), may have been exploited in a sophisticated attack against specific targeted users. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running whatsapp: 2.22.25.2 ≤ v < 2.25.21.73, 2.22.25.2 ≤ v < 2.25.21.78; whatsapp business: 2.22.25.2 ≤ v < 2.25.21.78
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2025-09-02 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2025-09-23.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://www.whatsapp.com/security/advisories/2025/
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-55177
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-55177
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