UAE's telecoms regulator warns of security vulnerability in Whatsapp

Users urged to update the messaging app to latest version

The TRA urged users to update Whatsapp to version 2.22.111 or newer through the App Store. Reuters

The UAE's telecoms regulator has warned of a security loophole in Whatsapp on Apple's iOS operating system.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said the vulnerability could allow the execution of malicious code, memory corruption and crashes.

Another issue could permit the voice-activated Siri function to interact with WhatsApp even after the phone was locked, Wam reported.

The TRA urged users to update Whatsapp to version 2.22.111 or newer through the App Store.

The messaging app has become a firm fixture of life in the UAE over the past few years as a way for people to interact.

It has even been used by authorities to help in the battle against Covid-19.

A coronavirus messaging service established by Dubai has received more than 50,000 requests for support in less than six months.

The Dubai Health Authority WhatsApp service was rolled out in April to answer pressing concerns about the pandemic.

By October 1, it had handled more than 54,000 requests from the public on a range of Covid-19 issues.