A new threat has emerged on underground hacking forums involving the popular messaging app WhatsApp. Security researchers have noticed posts where a cybercriminal claims to be selling a script that can crash WhatsApp and cause other problems for users.
This script is on sale for just $30, which makes it affordable for most people to buy and use it.
According to threat intelligence shared online, the seller says the tool can make WhatsApp break on both Android and iPhone devices. On Android phones, the offer claims the exploit can crash the app entirely. On iPhones, the script is said to crash WhatsApp and disrupt group chats.
The listing on the forum claims the script can send many calls in quick succession to a target, a method often called call bombing. The ad also mentions a feature described as pair spam, though details of how it works were not clear.
The seller says the script works through Termux, which is a terminal environment for Android devices. This means the exploit may run directly from a phone without the need for advanced infrastructure. The only other requirement is a virtual phone number, which adds anonymity for the attacker.
It is not clear how the script achieves these effects or whether the exploit affects all versions of WhatsApp. Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, regularly releases security updates to fix vulnerabilities and improve stability.
To be safe against such exploits, it is important to keep your WhatsApp unapt. Always install the latest version of WhatsApp from the official app store. Updates often contain important security fixes. You should also enable two step verification in WhatsApp settings. This adds an extra layer of protection to your account.
Users should also avoid clicking on suspicious links sent by unknown contacts. If the app crashes repeatedly, update it immediately. If the problem continues, reinstall the app after backing up chats.
