CVE-2026-23866
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Improper URL Handling in WhatsApp for iOS and Android

Publication date: 2026-05-01

Last updated on: 2026-05-11

Assigner: Facebook, Inc.

Description
Incomplete validation of AI rich response messages for Instagram Reels in WhatsApp for iOS v2.25.8.0 to v2.26.15.72 and WhatsApp for Android v2.25.8.0 to v2.26.7.10 could have allowed a user to trigger processing of media content from an arbitrary URL on another user’s device, including triggering OS-controlled custom URL scheme handlers. We have not seen evidence of exploitation in the wild.
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
Probability:
Percentile:
Meta Information
Published
2026-05-01
Last Modified
2026-05-11
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-01
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-23866
EUVD
EUVD-2026-26666
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
whatsapp whatsapp From 2.25.8.0 (inc) to 2.26.7.10 (inc)
whatsapp whatsapp From 2.25.8.0 (inc) to 2.26.15.72 (inc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-940 The product establishes a communication channel to handle an incoming request that has been initiated by an actor, but it does not properly verify that the request is coming from the expected origin.
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Quick Actions
Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves incomplete validation of AI rich response messages for Instagram Reels within certain versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android. Specifically, it could allow a user to trigger the processing of media content from an arbitrary URL on another user's device. This includes the ability to trigger operating system-controlled custom URL scheme handlers.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to cause a victim's device to process media content from arbitrary URLs, potentially leading to unintended actions or exposure to malicious content. This could include triggering OS-level handlers that might execute certain functions or open other applications. However, there is no evidence that this vulnerability has been exploited in the wild.

Chat Assistant
Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-23866. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70
EPSS Chart