New Alarming Messaging App Vulnerabilities Could Let Hackers Take Over Your Device

Instant messaging apps are the lifeblood of modern communication — we use them for chatting, sharing media, doing business, and even making payments. But what if the very apps we trust daily are secretly wide open to silent, devastating attacks?

Security researchers from the DARKNAVY team have uncovered a chilling new class of vulnerabilities affecting top messaging apps, including WeChat, that could let attackers hijack your device with a single, seemingly innocent message. And the worst part? You wouldn’t even know it happened.

This revelation brings into question the fundamental security of apps we rely on to interact, work, and live in today’s hyper-connected world. Let’s dive into what these vulnerabilities are, how they work, and what it all means for your digital safety.

Vulnerabilities in Messaging Apps Open Doors for Remote Attacks

Security experts from the DARKNAVY team have discovered multiple high-risk vulnerabilities in instant messaging (IM) applications, with WeChat being one of the primary platforms analyzed. These flaws could allow attackers to gain full control over a user’s device by simply sending a malicious message — no clicks or downloads required.

The vulnerabilities center around how messaging apps process files and media content. IM platforms like WeChat often provide features like file previews and automatic media parsing to improve user experience. But these same features create exploitable entry points when attackers embed harmful code into media files that appear innocent, like photos or documents.

This method mirrors past vulnerabilities such as Apple’s CVE-2019-8641 in iMessage, where specially crafted messages granted attackers complete control over a target device.

One of the key threats includes misuse of WeChat’s custom protocol (weixin://), which can be manipulated to redirect users to phishing websites or trigger hidden actions without user consent. Combining this with vulnerabilities in WeChat’s media handling capabilities makes for a potent attack cocktail.

The risks aren’t limited to WeChat alone. Similar issues affect other platforms like QQ and DingTalk due to outdated embedded browser engines that contain known vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-41064 and CVE-2023-4863. These flaws reside in the libwebp component, which is used for rendering images and media.

Mini-programs, which are small apps within WeChat, pose another threat. These programs often have elevated permissions and access to system-level resources. Without stringent permission management, malicious mini-programs could exploit these rights to execute advanced, undetectable attacks.

To mitigate risks, WeChat has taken several measures: sandboxing processes, enforcing HTTPS-only communication, restricting JSBridge interface access through cloud-based permissions, and isolating mini-program layers to prevent privilege escalation. Still, experts emphasize that user vigilance and regular updates remain essential lines of defense.

What Undercode Say:

The DARKNAVY findings spotlight a deeply concerning security trend in modern messaging apps. What was once a vulnerability unique to platforms like iMessage has now evolved into a broader, ecosystem-wide threat. The problem lies in the design philosophy of IM platforms, which prioritize seamless interaction over rigorous file validation.

Features like file previews and rich content rendering are great for usability, but they open silent backdoors for attackers. Once these files are auto-parsed, the code inside them can be triggered without any user input. This “zero-click” nature of the attack is particularly dangerous because it bypasses user awareness entirely.

WeChat’s use of custom protocols like weixin:// adds another dimension of risk. When attackers chain file-based vulnerabilities with URL redirection exploits, they gain the ability to guide users toward malicious sites or trigger unauthorized actions, such as granting permissions or downloading additional malware.

The vulnerabilities in the libwebp component further highlight a systemic issue: embedded browser components in IM apps are often outdated. Developers prioritize app performance and design, sometimes neglecting security patches from the browser engines they integrate. This exposes users to long-patched bugs in a delayed cascade.

Mini-programs act as another double-edged sword. They offer rich functionality and dynamic content but also serve as attractive attack surfaces. If a third-party developer injects malicious code into a mini-program and WeChat doesn’t catch it, the consequences can be severe. Users might unknowingly allow access to their file systems, sensors, or even backend APIs.

WeChat has taken proactive steps to mitigate these dangers: process sandboxing, HTTPS enforcement, debugging restrictions, and strict protocol validation. However, these technical patches alone aren’t enough. Users need awareness. Organizations must monitor IM traffic and implement endpoint security tools tailored to detect such threats.

The bigger picture here is that messaging apps, once seen as private and secure, now resemble complex web browsers — open to the same threats, but with fewer user protections in place. The global reliance on apps like WeChat means that even small-scale attacks can ripple out to millions.

The message is clear: convenience can no longer come at the cost of security. Tech companies must prioritize patching, transparency, and user education. Meanwhile, users should update frequently, avoid unknown media files, and think twice before clicking links in IMs — no matter how harmless they seem.

Fact Checker Results ✅

🔍 The vulnerabilities are real and validated by known CVEs, including 2023-41064 and 2023-4863.
🔐 WeChat has issued technical mitigations but risk remains due to outdated third-party components.
⚠️ The threat model is serious, affecting multiple platforms with billions of active users.

Prediction 🔮

As messaging platforms evolve into full-fledged ecosystems with embedded browsers and mini-apps, attackers will increasingly target these new surfaces. We can expect a rise in zero-click and protocol-based exploits in 2025, particularly those combining file parsing and URL redirection techniques. If platforms don’t prioritize frequent patching and strict developer policies, another iMessage-scale breach is only a matter of time.