WhatsApp has just released a new version of its popular iPhone app which fixes a worrying flaw.
If you chat on WhatsApp using an iPhone it’s vital you check that you have the very latest version downloaded. The Meta-owned messaging service has just released an update which fixes a worrying privacy flaw that could allow friends and contacts to access photos that were meant to disappear after being viewed.
The “View Once” feature allows users to send photos that self-destruct the minute they are opened – a bit like Snapchat’s famous functionality – but the bug could be used to bypass the security.
The issue was first spotted by security researcher Ramshath, who said in a blog post, “During one of my security research sessions, I discovered a way to bypass the “View Once” feature. This bypass allowed me to access the image even after it was meant to vanish into thin air.”
WhatsApp has now rushed fix the scary glitch and it’s vital you make sure version 25.2.3 is installed on your iPhone.
To check, simply head to the Apple App Store app on your phone and tap on your account icon at the top right of the screen.
Scroll down, and you’ll see all the apps that need updating. Find WhatsApp and tap “Update”.
Along with fixing that “View Once” issue, this release also includes new features, such as calling numbers without saving them as contacts.
It’s also now possible to add people you are chatting with to a current outgoing call and you can select participants prior to starting a group call.
As we mentioned before, this update is called version 25.2.3 and it’s available for iOS right now.