CVE-2019-18426

Name: CVE-2019-18426
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-01-21T21:15:16.147+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.2/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 67.86%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2019-18426 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.2/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in WhatsApp Desktop versions prior to 0.3.9309 when paired with WhatsApp for iPhone versions prior to 2.20.10 allows cross-site scripting and local file reading. Exploiting the vulnerability requires the victim to click a link preview from a specially crafted text message.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 67.86% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in WhatsApp Desktop versions prior to 0.3.9309 when paired with WhatsApp for iPhone versions prior to 2.20.10 allows cross-site scripting and local file reading. Exploiting the vulnerability requires the victim to click a link preview from a specially crafted text message.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.2/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:N

EPSS Probability

67.86%

99.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Jun 13, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Whatsapp	Whatsapp	< 0.3.9309
Whatsapp	Whatsapp	< 2.20.10

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157097/WhatsApp-Desktop-0.3.9308-Cross-Site-Scripting.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.facebook.com/security/advisories/cve-2019-18426Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157097/WhatsApp-Desktop-0.3.9308-Cross-Site-Scripting.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.facebook.com/security/advisories/cve-2019-18426Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-18426US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Jan 21, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2019-18426?

How severe is CVE-2019-18426?

CVE-2019-18426 has a CVSS score of 8.2/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 67.86% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2019-18426?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2019-18426?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST