Is CVE-2021-24042 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2021-24042 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2021-24042 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2021-24042 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-24042?

CVE-2021-24042 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-24042

CRITICAL

CVE-2021-24042

CWE-122Published: January 4, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The calling logic for WhatsApp for Android prior to v2.21.23, WhatsApp Business for Android prior to v2.21.23, WhatsApp for iOS prior to v2.21.230, WhatsApp Business for iOS prior to v2.21.230, WhatsApp for KaiOS prior to v2.2143, WhatsApp Desktop prior to v2.2146 could have allowed an out-of-bounds write if a user makes a 1:1 call to a malicious actor.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-24042 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.