Unveiled: Stealthy $1 Million WhatsApp Messaging Vulnerability with Zero User Interaction Required
Meta Offers $1 Million for Zero-Click WhatsApp Exploit at Pwn2Own Contest
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced a significant reward at the upcoming Pwn2Own Ireland 2025 hacking contest. The company is offering a prize of $1 million for a zero-click remote code execution (RCE) exploit targeting WhatsApp, a move aimed at encouraging researchers to find vulnerabilities in the popular messaging app.
The contest, organized by Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) and co-sponsored by Meta along with companies like Synology and QNAP, will take place from October 21 to 24, 2025, in Cork, Ireland. The high bounty of $1 million specifically targets zero-click WhatsApp bugs that could lead to code execution, a critical threat as it allows for remote compromise with no user action required.
In addition to the main prize, smaller rewards are also available for related WhatsApp exploits. Up to $500,000 can be earned for a one-click remote code execution, and up to $150,000 for a zero-click account takeover exploit. The competition includes eight categories, spanning smartphones, wearables (including devices like Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest headsets), and home office network devices, reflecting a broad focus on consumer and enterprise technology security.
The surge in attacks on Gmail accounts and the recent discovery of sophisticated spyware hack attacks on WhatsApp users have highlighted the need for improved security measures. Zero-click attacks, which are rare but critically dangerous, are often used by cybercriminals to exploit major technology platforms for harm and criminal profit.
Meta’s sponsorship and the high bounty demonstrate the company’s commitment to securing WhatsApp against such attacks, which could compromise user privacy and security on a massive scale. The contest also incentivizes researchers to responsibly disclose new vulnerabilities to improve the security of widely-used technology.
It's important to note that the Pwn2Own competition is a legal event where hackers compete in a controlled environment to find previously unknown vulnerabilities, or zero-days, in various systems. The competition takes place twice a year, with teams that successfully hacked various systems in the May edition earning a prize pool exceeding a million dollars.
The FBI has also issued a critical new warning regarding password resets, advising users to be vigilant and update their accounts immediately due to a surge in attacks on Gmail accounts. With the rise in cybersecurity threats, it's crucial for users to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their digital assets.
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- The financial incentive offered by Meta for a zero-click remote code execution exploit on WhatsApp during the Pwn2Own Ireland 2025 competition underscores the importance of cybersecurity in business and data-and-cloud-computing.
- The high bounty of $1 million for a zero-click WhatsApp bug is a testament to Meta's dedication to enhancing the app's security and protecting users from whatsapp hack and potential data breaches.
- The Pwn2Own contest, while focused on messaging app security, also underscores the broader implications of technology hack, such as the recent cyberattacks on finance and Gmail accounts, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity across all sectors.
