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

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2019-18426-whatsapp-cross-site-scripting-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-05-23. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2019-18426 · Severity: critical · CVSS 8.2 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-05-23

A cross-site scripting (XSS) and local file reading vulnerability exists in WhatsApp Desktop when paired with WhatsApp for iPhone. The flaw is triggered when a victim clicks a link preview from a specially crafted text message, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or access local files.

Technologies: [Meta Platforms WhatsApp](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/whatsapp). Vendors: [Meta Platforms](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/meta-platforms).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2019-18426 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2019-18426 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 23 May 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2019-18426?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 8.2, published 23 May 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** WhatsApp WhatsApp Desktop prior to 0.3.9309; WhatsApp WhatsApp for iPhone prior to 2.20.10.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2019-18426?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2019-18426 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2019-18426?** Check whether you run Meta Platforms WhatsApp. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- WhatsApp WhatsApp Desktop prior to 0.3.9309
- WhatsApp WhatsApp for iPhone prior to 2.20.10

## Timeline

- 2020-01-21: disclosed: NVD Published Date
- 2022-05-23: kev added: Date added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog

## Related threats

- [Meta WhatsApp incorrect authorization in linked device synchronization](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-55177-meta-whatsapp-incorrect-authorization-in-linked-device)
- [WhatsApp VOIP Stack Buffer Overflow Vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2019-3568-whatsapp-voip-stack-buffer-overflow-vulnerability)