WhatsApp Fixes Bug Allowing Retrieval of 'View Once' Media on iOS

Recent reports have uncovered a flaw in WhatsApp's iOS application that allowed users to recover media intended for one-time viewing, undermining the app's privacy features. The 'View Once' functionality, designed to delete images and videos after they have been viewed, was compromised due to a bug that persisted for an extended period.

This issue was first highlighted by a security researcher known as Ramshath, who revealed that the feature did not operate as expected. Instead of vanishing after a single view, the content remained accessible within the app's storage management settings. When users sorted their storage by the latest media, these supposed 'disappearing' items reappeared, violating the intended temporary nature of 'View Once' media.

After bringing the matter to Meta's attention, the flaw has since been addressed in the latest version of the WhatsApp application for iOS, version 25.2.3. However, the circumstances surrounding how this error occurred remain unclear, as Meta has not provided an official statement regarding the incident.

Ramshath reported that, despite his efforts to inform the company through their bug bounty program, he was not awarded a reward due to Meta's claim that they were already aware of the issue and were actively working toward a resolution. This has raised questions about the transparency of the bug bounty process, particularly how researchers are informed about the status of known issues.

This incident is not isolated, as a similar bug was previously identified in the web version of WhatsApp, further highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining robust security features across different platforms. The Android version of WhatsApp reportedly remained unaffected by this specific issue.

The prompt action taken by Meta to rectify the problem indicates their commitment to user security and privacy. Users are encouraged to update their applications to the latest version to benefit from the fixes implemented. As privacy concerns continue to be a critical issue in digital communications, the need for reliable and effective security measures remains paramount.