8.2

CVE-2019-18426: WhatsApp Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability

CVSS: 8.2v3.1HighKEVAnalyzed
Published 21-01-2020Last modified 21-10-2025
Open JSON

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2019-18426 is a high (CVSS 8.2) Cross-site Scripting vulnerability in Meta Platforms WhatsApp. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 23-05-2022. EPSS estimates a 67.86% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.3% of scored vulnerabilities. 2 public exploits are recorded.

Overall risk
85/100
0100
Critical · default modelHow is this calculated?
CVSS score
8.2/10
010
High · v3.1 (CVE.org)
EPSS score
67.86%
0%100%
Critical · 0.00 pp in 30 days
KEVListedCISA
RansomwareNone recordedNo known use recorded
Public exploits2reference, exploit-database

Timeline

  1. 21-01-2020
    PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
  2. 23-05-2022
    Added to CISA KEVWhatsApp Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability
  3. 13-06-2022
    CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
  4. 21-10-2025
    Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

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.

CVSS metrics

3 scores · 2 sources · 2 versions

EPSS trend

Probability

67.86%

Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days

Percentile

99%

Versus all other CVEs

30-day change

0.00 pp

From 67.86% on 20-09-2026

20-09-202620-10-2026
EPSS score
67.86%

Known exploited

Compare KEV catalogs
CISA KEVListed
Added
23-05-2022
Federal due date
13-06-2022

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions. nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-18426

Public exploits

2 found
  • referenceUnverified

    Exploit Reference (packetstormsecurity.com)

    Maturity: unknown

  • exploit-databasemultipleUnverified

    WhatsApp Desktop 0.3.9308 - Persistent Cross-Site Scripting

    Maturity: poc

Weaknesses

CWE · root cause

Affected systems

Facebook1 product
Whatsapp1 product

2 vendors · 2 products

References

3 links