WhatsApp Has Been Exploited? The Answer Is a Resounding...

CVE-2025-55177: Zero-Click Spyware Hits WhatsApp on iOS, MacOS

WhatsApp has addressed the problem of a security flaw. This vulnerability must have been taken into account, and necessary steps must have been initiated. There was no alternative option available, barring fixing this issue. So by patching this security flaw, WhatsApp has successfully addressed a major flaw that could have jolted its plan. The vulnerability that enabled targeted spyware attacks on iOS and Mac was a reason for concern, more so for WhatsApp, so it felt the need to mend things, strengthening its position. A 'zero-click' spyware operation took undue advantage of the security hole in Apple devices. This got exploited badly.

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This message about patching this security vulnerability was announced by WhatsApp on August 29th. This vulnerability was used to exploit iOS and Mac apps, whereby the devices of 'specific targeted users' were secretly accessed. Surely, it was something that needed immediate attention so that necessary action could be initiated to plug this loophole. The Meta-owned messaging platform has stated in its advisory that the flaw, identified as CVE-2025-55177, has been fixed. This announcement came as a sigh of relief. It was the need of the hour; therefore, it was dealt with in a manner considered best.

WhatsApp Fixes Security Flaw used in Apple iPhone -iOS, Mac Spyware 

If you go by Amnesty International’s Security Lab chief Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, the campaign ran for about 90 days starting late May and involved an “advanced spyware operation.”  Ó Cearbhaill went on to state further that the attack chain enabled hackers to use WhatsApp as a delivery vector to steal data from iPhones, including messages and other sensitive information. WhatsApp also sent warning notifications to affected users. Meta spokesperson Margarita Franklin told TechCrunch the flaw was patched “a few weeks ago” and confirmed that fewer than 200 WhatsApp users had been notified.

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Is this the first time WhatsApp has been exploited? The answer is a resounding "No. A similar incident happened earlier as well, after which a US court instructed an Israeli spyware maker, NSO Group, to pay damages to the tune of $167 million over its 2019 Pegasus campaign. As many as 1400 devices got infected, so it became a massive controversy. Earlier this year, WhatsApp decided to disrupt a spyware campaign that targeted close to 90 users. The Italian Government was allegedly accused of it; however, Italy denied its involvement. Although spyware maker Paragon went on to cut off Italy's access to its hacking tools.

Conclusion

The need to patch the security flaw was paramount. Any system that is vulnerable and can be hacked is not going to have a huge user base. Things need immediate attention when it relates to safety and security. This is exactly why WhatsApp felt the need to make the system robust. There is a need to keep the guard up in such cases. Any compromise on this front will eventually lead to the downfall of the platform.

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