WhatsApp Hacking Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus on WhatsApp hacking for educational purposes only.
• Strongly discourage any illegal activities.

WhatsApp Encryption

• End-to-End Encryption: Messages are scrambled and can only be read by the intended recipient.
• Vulnerabilities: Not fully secure despite encryption.

Key Vulnerabilities Explored

1. Remote Code Execution via GIF Vulnerability

• Discovery: October 2019 by security researcher Awakened.
• Mechanism: Hackers can take control of WhatsApp using a malicious GIF.
• Process:
  • When a user opens the gallery to send a media file, WhatsApp processes the GIF for preview.
  • GIFs can hide multiple encoded frames, allowing malicious code injection.
• Impact: Hackers gain access to chat history, files, photos, and videos.

2. Voice Call Hack (Pegasus Malware)

• Incident: Early 2019.
• Mechanism: Hackers could access a device by placing a WhatsApp voice call; target need not answer.
• Method: Buffer overflow - overflowing a buffer with code for unauthorized access.
• Impact: Pegasus spyware collects data on calls, messages, photos, videos, and can activate cameras and microphones.

Social Engineering Threats

• Hackers exploit human psychology to gain information.
• Common Tactics:
  • Impersonation of trusted individuals.
  • Tricking users into revealing verification codes.
  • Manipulating users into downloading malicious files.
• Advice: Always verify requests and be cautious.

Security Recommendations

• Stay Updated: Regularly update WhatsApp to patch vulnerabilities.
• Enable Two-Step Verification: Adds an extra layer of security.
• Be Skeptical:
  • Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
  • Verify identity of callers claiming to be from WhatsApp support.

Conclusion

• Importance of knowledge in understanding WhatsApp hacking.
• Encouragement to stay informed and safe.
• Call to action: Subscribe to Cyberworld YT for more cybersecurity insights.
• Ethical focus: Curiosity drives forward but ethics guide the path.