WhatsApp have released a security advisory on the 13th of May 2019 to alert users of a major vulnerability that has been identified in the messaging application that is used by 1.5 billion users globally.
The vulnerability is used to remotely install surveillance software on devices. Making use of the voice-calling function the hackers ring the device, and the software installs without the call being answered. Subsequent logs of the call taking place is also removed from the phone.
WhatsApp has recommended that all users perform an update of the WhatsApp application to remove the vulnerability, as they do not have any indication of the extent of the exposure to this malware