WhatsApp Whodunit: Million-Dollar Exploit Fizzles at Pwn2Own 2025
The cybersecurity world sighed in unison when a researcher bailed on showing a $1 million WhatsApp exploit at Pwn2Own. The researcher pulled out due to doubts about the exploit’s readiness, leaving everyone wondering if it was a digital unicorn. What’s certain? WhatsApp’s still standing strong, and the exploit remains a mystery.
Hot Take:
In a shocking twist more disappointing than finding out your favorite character in a TV show has been written off, a researcher backed out of showcasing a $1 million WhatsApp exploit at Pwn2Own. Turns out, dreams of zero-click remote code execution might be like my New Year resolutions — ambitious but not quite ready for the public eye!
Key Points:
- Researcher Eugene from Team Z3 withdrew a $1 million WhatsApp exploit demonstration.
- Over $1 million was awarded to other researchers at Pwn2Own Ireland 2025.
- Team Z3’s findings will be privately assessed by ZDI before being shared with Meta.
- WhatsApp is reviewing low-risk vulnerabilities but confirmed no severe threats.
- Speculation abounds about the technical viability of the withdrawn exploit.
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