WhatsApp said the attack had all the hallmarks of a private company that works with governments to deliver spyware that can take over the functions of mobile phone operating systems. WhatsApp detected the bug on its platform that would allow malicious actors to install the spyware on a smartphone using a single WhatsApp call. The versions of WhatsApp that have been affected by the issue include — WhatsApp for Android v2.19.134 and those that came before; WhatsApp Business for Android v2.19.44 and before; WhatsApp for iOS v2.19.51 and before; WhatsApp Business for iOS v2.19.51 and before; WhatsApp for Windows Phone v2.18.348 and before; and WhatsApp for Tizen v2.18.15 and before. India has the largest base of WhatsApp users globally with well over 200 million users. Several WhatsApp users were dismayed with the security breach to the social media app.

Source: The Telegraph May 14, 2019 20:26 UTC