The WhatsApp bug allows the attacker to get hold of information on the phone by sending a GIF. An update already solves this serious error
WhatsApp has fixed a security bug that allowed hackers to take over the messaging app with a malicious GIF. The hack could be triggered when a user opens a malicious GIF in their gallery. After opening the aforementioned GIF, the previous chat history is sent to the hacker.
Devices with Android 8.1 and 9 could have been susceptible to the hack, although it is not ruled out that it could also affect iOS. A researcher named Awakened discovered the vulnerability and wrote about it in a blog post last week. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, released a patch last month. He said that it is unlikely that someone was hacked using the technique revealed by Awakened.
"We have no reason to believe that this has affected any users, though we are of course always working to provide the latest security features to our users," a WhatsApp spokesperson told reporters.
A serious bug that requires you to update
To update WhatsApp, iPhone users should open the App Store and select Updates. Select “WhatsApp” and then tap the Update button. On Android, users should open the Play Store and tap the three lines in the top left corner. Select “My apps & games” from the menu, then select WhatsApp and tap the Update button.
The popular messaging app is often targeted by hackers due to its widespread use. In May, a vulnerability was discovered that allowed hackers to call someone on WhatsApp and place malicious code on their phone to access their personal information. A patch was also released to fix this. It's a constant game of cat and mouse: some are trying to fix security issues while others try to find and exploit them for their own gain.
CNN Source