MEDIUM
CVE-2020-1904
CWE-23Published: October 6, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
A path validation issue in WhatsApp for iOS prior to v2.20.61 and WhatsApp Business for iOS prior to v2.20.61 could have allowed for directory traversal overwriting files when sending specially crafted docx, xlsx, and pptx files as attachments to messages.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-1904 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.
A successful exploit results in full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 5.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
whatsapp2 product(s)
whatsappwhatsapp business
Source: NVD CPE · 2 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (2)
→
https://www.whatsapp.com/security/advisories/2020/Vendor Advisory
→
https://www.whatsapp.com/security/advisories/2020/Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2020-1904
CVSS Score5.5 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-23
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 6, 2020
Related CVEs (CWE-23)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-1904 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.