MEDIUM
CVE-2023-38538
CWE-362Published: October 4, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
A race condition in an event subsystem led to a heap use-after-free issue in established audio/video calls that could have resulted in app termination or unexpected control flow with very low probability.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-38538 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityLow
IntegrityLow
AvailabilityLow
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L
Affected Vendors & Products
whatsapp1 product(s)
whatsapp
Source: NVD CPE · 1 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/2023/Vendor Advisory
→
https://www.whatsapp.com/security/advisories/2023/Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2023-38538
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-362
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 4, 2023
Related CVEs (CWE-362)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-38538 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.