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WhatsApp Vulnerabilities Leaks User’s Metadata Including Device’s Operating System

WhatsApp's multi-device encryption protocol has previously leaked metadata, enabling attackers to fingerprint users' device operating systems. This vulnerability assists in delivering targeted malware. Recent research indicates partial remediation by…

OBy Olivia HarperJan 05, 20261 min read

WhatsApp's multi-device encryption protocol has previously leaked metadata, enabling attackers to fingerprint users' device operating systems. This vulnerability assists in delivering targeted malware. Recent research indicates partial remediation by Meta, though transparency issues remain.

WhatsApp, used by over 3 billion monthly active users, employs end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for message security. However, its multi-device feature exposes device information. In this setup, senders create separate sessions with each recipient device using unique encryption keys generated on the device.

Differences in key IDs, such as Signed Pre-Key (Signed PK) and One-Time Pre-Key (OTPK), can reveal whether a device is running Android or iOS. This information is crucial for reconnaissance in cyber kill chains.

Attackers can exploit this by querying WhatsApp servers for session keys, identifying operating system types, and deploying specific exploits. Android devices are targeted with Android malware, whereas iOS devices are often bypassed to avoid alerting victims.

WhatsApp's multi-device encryption protocol has previously leaked metadata, enabling attackers to fingerprint users' device operating systems.
Olivia Harper · Thehackingpost

Early 2024 research by Tal A. Be’ery at WOOT’24 highlighted leaks of device count, types, and identities via per-device sessions based on Signal's protocol. In 2025, Gabriel Karl Gegenhuber et al. at WOOT’25 further detailed OS fingerprinting: Android Signed PK IDs increment slowly from 0 monthly, while iOS patterns differ.

Recently, WhatsApp modified the assignment of Android Signed PK IDs to random values across the 24-bit range, mitigating one vector of attack. However, OTPK remains distinguishable: iOS starts low and increments every few days, compared to Android's full random span. Tools adapted post-fix continue to reliably detect the OS.

This vulnerability enables advanced persistent threats (APTs) to use WhatsApp as a vector for malware. Criticisms include the lack of researcher alerts, bug bounties, or CVE assignment. Such omissions hinder tracking and documentation.

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Full randomization across platforms and CVE transparency could enhance protection for users. It is recommended that users limit linked devices and monitor activity to mitigate ongoing risks.

Based on reporting by Cyber Security News.

AI transparency. This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published under human editorial oversight. AI systems can make mistakes. Read how we use AI (EU AI Act, Art. 50).
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