1️⃣ Paragon spyware exploited WhatsApp’s zero-click flaw to target users globally.
2️⃣ The flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-31888, was a heap-based buffer overflow in WhatsApp’s RTP component.
3️⃣ WhatsApp patched the vulnerability in October 2024 after it was discovered.
4️⃣ The exploit affected high-profile targets, including journalists and activists.
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Earlier this year, Reuters revealed that Paragon spyware had cybersecurity experts raising alarms over its chilling ability to infiltrate devices without a single click. Paragon, an Israeli surveillance tech company, was accused of targeting scores of users worldwide with its powerful spyware. What makes Paragon’s tool so dangerous is its zero-click nature—meaning it doesn’t need you to tap, click, or even open anything to infect your device. Once in, it can harvest data like messages, calls, location, and pretty much anything else stored on your phone. According to reports, Paragon’s clients include law enforcement and intelligence agencies from around the world, raising major privacy concerns. Reuters reported the discovery of this threat in late January 2025, adding another name to the growing list of Israeli spyware companies involved in surveillance scandals.
Fast forward to March 2025, and BleepingComputer reported that WhatsApp had officially confirmed patching the zero-click vulnerability allegedly exploited by Paragon. This critical flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-31888, was a heap-based buffer overflow bug hiding in WhatsApp’s Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) component. For non-tech folks, think of it like a hole in the app’s system that hackers could sneak through—without you ever knowing. All it took was sending a specially crafted video call over WhatsApp, and boom—your phone could be compromised without even answering the call.
The attack vector made it the perfect tool for spying, especially since it left zero trace of interaction. WhatsApp acted quickly, rolling out patches in October 2024 with updates v2.23.20.76 for Android and v23.20.78 for iOS. If you’ve been ignoring app updates, now’s the time to double-check—seriously.
What’s even scarier? Reports suggest Paragon’s spyware, called Chronos, can bypass encrypted messaging protections, capturing content before it gets encrypted. That means even WhatsApp’s famed end-to-end encryption couldn’t save you once the malware is on your phone.
Meta stressed that there’s no evidence of mass exploitation, but targeted users—likely journalists, activists, and high-profile individuals—were compromised. Once again, this incident raises eyebrows about the spyware industry and the need for global regulation.
Bottom line—update your apps regularly and stay informed. Cyber threats like these aren’t going away anytime soon, but awareness is your first line of defense.
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