CVE-2025-55177: Incorrect Authorization (CWE-863) in Facebook WhatsApp Desktop for Mac
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.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-55177 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization) affecting Facebook's WhatsApp Desktop for Mac and WhatsApp for iOS versions prior to 2.25.21.73 (iOS) and 2.25.21.78 (Mac and Business iOS). The flaw arises from incomplete authorization checks in the synchronization of linked device messages. This weakness could allow an unrelated attacker to trigger the processing of content from an arbitrary URL on a target user's device without proper permission. Although the vulnerability alone has limited impact, it is particularly concerning when combined with an OS-level vulnerability on Apple platforms (CVE-2025-43300), which may enable sophisticated targeted attacks. The CVSS score of 5.4 reflects a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and limited confidentiality and integrity impact without availability impact. The vulnerability affects WhatsApp Desktop for Mac version 2.22.25.2 and earlier versions before the fixed releases. No public exploit is known at this time, but the potential for targeted exploitation exists, especially in conjunction with the Apple OS vulnerability. The issue stems from improper authorization logic in the linked device synchronization mechanism, which is critical given WhatsApp's widespread use for personal and business communications. The vulnerability could allow attackers to inject or trigger processing of malicious content remotely, potentially leading to information disclosure or manipulation of message content on the victim's device.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55177 could be significant, especially for entities relying heavily on WhatsApp for internal and external communications, including SMEs and large enterprises using WhatsApp Business. The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized processing of malicious content, potentially exposing sensitive communications or enabling further compromise when chained with the Apple OS vulnerability. Confidentiality and integrity of communications could be undermined, risking leakage of proprietary or personal data. Given WhatsApp's popularity across Europe, including in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, exploitation could result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches, and operational disruptions. The lack of user interaction required and network-based attack vector increase the risk profile. However, the medium severity and requirement for some privileges limit the scope to targeted attacks rather than widespread exploitation. Organizations using Apple Mac devices and iOS for WhatsApp access are particularly at risk, and the combination with OS-level vulnerabilities could elevate the threat to critical in targeted scenarios.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should prioritize updating WhatsApp Desktop for Mac and WhatsApp for iOS to versions 2.25.21.73 (iOS) and 2.25.21.78 (Mac and Business iOS) or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Additionally, ensuring that Apple devices are updated with the latest security patches addressing CVE-2025-43300 is critical to prevent chained exploitation. Network-level protections such as restricting access to WhatsApp synchronization services via firewall rules or network segmentation can reduce exposure. Monitoring for unusual synchronization activity or unexpected URL processing events on endpoints may help detect exploitation attempts. Enterprises should enforce strict device management policies, including limiting installation of unauthorized apps and controlling privilege levels on user devices. User awareness campaigns about the risks of unsolicited links and suspicious content in WhatsApp messages can further reduce risk. For high-value targets, consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous process behaviors related to WhatsApp synchronization. Finally, organizations should review and tighten authorization policies related to linked device management within WhatsApp settings to minimize attack surface.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, Ireland
CVE-2025-55177: Incorrect Authorization (CWE-863) in Facebook WhatsApp Desktop for Mac
Description
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.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-55177 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization) affecting Facebook's WhatsApp Desktop for Mac and WhatsApp for iOS versions prior to 2.25.21.73 (iOS) and 2.25.21.78 (Mac and Business iOS). The flaw arises from incomplete authorization checks in the synchronization of linked device messages. This weakness could allow an unrelated attacker to trigger the processing of content from an arbitrary URL on a target user's device without proper permission. Although the vulnerability alone has limited impact, it is particularly concerning when combined with an OS-level vulnerability on Apple platforms (CVE-2025-43300), which may enable sophisticated targeted attacks. The CVSS score of 5.4 reflects a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and limited confidentiality and integrity impact without availability impact. The vulnerability affects WhatsApp Desktop for Mac version 2.22.25.2 and earlier versions before the fixed releases. No public exploit is known at this time, but the potential for targeted exploitation exists, especially in conjunction with the Apple OS vulnerability. The issue stems from improper authorization logic in the linked device synchronization mechanism, which is critical given WhatsApp's widespread use for personal and business communications. The vulnerability could allow attackers to inject or trigger processing of malicious content remotely, potentially leading to information disclosure or manipulation of message content on the victim's device.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55177 could be significant, especially for entities relying heavily on WhatsApp for internal and external communications, including SMEs and large enterprises using WhatsApp Business. The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized processing of malicious content, potentially exposing sensitive communications or enabling further compromise when chained with the Apple OS vulnerability. Confidentiality and integrity of communications could be undermined, risking leakage of proprietary or personal data. Given WhatsApp's popularity across Europe, including in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, exploitation could result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches, and operational disruptions. The lack of user interaction required and network-based attack vector increase the risk profile. However, the medium severity and requirement for some privileges limit the scope to targeted attacks rather than widespread exploitation. Organizations using Apple Mac devices and iOS for WhatsApp access are particularly at risk, and the combination with OS-level vulnerabilities could elevate the threat to critical in targeted scenarios.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should prioritize updating WhatsApp Desktop for Mac and WhatsApp for iOS to versions 2.25.21.73 (iOS) and 2.25.21.78 (Mac and Business iOS) or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Additionally, ensuring that Apple devices are updated with the latest security patches addressing CVE-2025-43300 is critical to prevent chained exploitation. Network-level protections such as restricting access to WhatsApp synchronization services via firewall rules or network segmentation can reduce exposure. Monitoring for unusual synchronization activity or unexpected URL processing events on endpoints may help detect exploitation attempts. Enterprises should enforce strict device management policies, including limiting installation of unauthorized apps and controlling privilege levels on user devices. User awareness campaigns about the risks of unsolicited links and suspicious content in WhatsApp messages can further reduce risk. For high-value targets, consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous process behaviors related to WhatsApp synchronization. Finally, organizations should review and tighten authorization policies related to linked device management within WhatsApp settings to minimize attack surface.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Date Reserved
- 2025-08-08T18:21:47.118Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68b1cf29ad5a09ad00794384
Added to database: 8/29/2025, 4:02:49 PM
Last enriched: 9/5/2025, 8:30:26 PM
Last updated: 10/14/2025, 12:33:12 PM
Views: 152
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