| Recurring |
one_organization, multiple_organization |
(a) The software failure incident related to weak security in the WhatsApp mobile chat program has been reported multiple times within the same organization. Criticism regarding the authentication methods used by WhatsApp, such as basing passwords on identification numbers associated with devices, has been raised by various security researchers and bloggers over time [14834].
(b) The software failure incident related to weak security in the WhatsApp mobile chat program has also been highlighted as a concern for multiple organizations or users beyond just WhatsApp. For example, security researcher Christopher Soghoian from the American Civil Liberties Union criticized WhatsApp's privacy policy and highlighted the potential risks for activists and users who rely on the app for secure communication [14834]. Additionally, heise Security found that it was possible to take over both Android and iOS WhatsApp user accounts easily, indicating a broader security issue that could affect users across different platforms [14834]. |
| Phase (Design/Operation) |
design, operation |
(a) The software failure incident related to the design phase can be seen in the criticism of WhatsApp's security authentication methods. Bloggers and security researchers pointed out weaknesses in the authentication process, such as using easily obtainable identification numbers like IMEI for Android devices and MAC addresses for iOS devices. These design flaws introduced by the system development and procedures to operate the system contributed to the security vulnerabilities [14834].
(b) The software failure incident related to the operation phase is evident in the exploitation of these design flaws by attackers. For example, attackers could easily take over WhatsApp user accounts by entering the phone number and MAC address or IMEI into a script, allowing them to send messages from compromised accounts. This misuse of the system due to its vulnerabilities in operation led to the compromise of user accounts [14834]. |
| Boundary (Internal/External) |
within_system |
(a) within_system: The software failure incident related to the WhatsApp mobile chat program's weak security can be attributed to factors originating from within the system. The authentication methods used by WhatsApp, such as generating passwords based on easily obtainable device identification numbers like IMEI and MAC addresses, were criticized for being insecure [14834]. Additionally, the encryption used for data transmission in WhatsApp was alleged to be flawed, further highlighting internal security vulnerabilities within the system [14834]. These internal system weaknesses contributed to the software failure incident.
(b) outside_system: The articles do not provide information indicating that the software failure incident was primarily due to contributing factors originating from outside the system. |
| Nature (Human/Non-human) |
non-human_actions, human_actions |
(a) The software failure incident in the WhatsApp mobile chat program was primarily due to non-human actions, specifically related to weak security measures implemented in the authentication process. The authentication methods were found to be based on identification numbers associated with the devices, such as the IMEI for Android devices and the MAC Address for iOS devices. These vulnerabilities allowed for potential attacks where data could be intercepted and accounts could be hijacked without direct human involvement [14834].
(b) However, human actions also played a role in this software failure incident as the security vulnerabilities were a result of design and implementation decisions made by the developers of WhatsApp. The use of easily obtainable identification numbers for authentication, such as the IMEI and MAC Address, was a conscious choice made by the developers which ultimately led to the security flaws in the application [14834]. |
| Dimension (Hardware/Software) |
hardware, software |
(a) The software failure incident related to hardware can be seen in the article where it is mentioned that the password for WhatsApp on the iPhone is generated using the MAC Address (Media Access Control Address) of the Wireless Local Area Network, which can be obtained by sniffing the network [14834]. This reliance on the MAC Address for authentication can be considered a hardware-related vulnerability as it involves the unique hardware identifier of the device.
(b) The software failure incident related to software can be observed in the various criticisms and vulnerabilities pointed out by bloggers regarding the authentication methods and encryption used in WhatsApp. For example, the authentication methods based on identification numbers associated with the devices (IMEI for Android and MAC Address for iPhone) were criticized for being less secure [14834]. Additionally, the encryption used for data transmission in WhatsApp was alleged to be flawed, indicating software-related security weaknesses. |
| Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) |
malicious |
(a) The software failure incident related to the WhatsApp mobile chat program can be categorized as malicious. Several bloggers and security researchers highlighted significant security vulnerabilities in WhatsApp, such as weak authentication methods based on easily obtainable device identification numbers like IMEI and MAC addresses. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by attackers to hijack user accounts, leak data, and intercept messages. Additionally, the encryption used for data transmission was alleged to be flawed, further compromising the security of the app [14834]. The intentional exploitation of these weaknesses by attackers to compromise user accounts and data demonstrates a malicious intent to harm the system. |
| Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) |
poor_decisions |
(a) The software failure incident related to the WhatsApp mobile chat program can be attributed to poor decisions made in terms of security measures. The authentication methods used by WhatsApp, such as generating passwords based on easily obtainable identification numbers like IMEI and MAC addresses, were criticized for being insecure [14834]. These decisions led to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, compromising user data and privacy. The lack of robust security measures and the flawed encryption used for data transmission indicate poor decisions made in ensuring the integrity and security of the application. |
| Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) |
development_incompetence, accidental |
(a) The software failure incident in the WhatsApp mobile chat program can be attributed to development incompetence. Several bloggers and security researchers criticized WhatsApp for weak security practices, such as using easily obtainable identification numbers like IMEI and MAC addresses for authentication, which were deemed insecure. The authentication methods for iOS devices were considered less secure than for Android devices due to restrictions imposed by Apple. Additionally, the encryption used for data transmission in WhatsApp was alleged to be flawed, indicating a lack of professional competence in ensuring secure data handling [14834].
(b) The software failure incident in WhatsApp can also be categorized as accidental. The incident involved flaws in the encryption used for data transmission, which were discovered by an anonymous security analyst and highlighted by bloggers. The ease with which attackers could take over user accounts by entering phone numbers and MAC addresses or IMEI into a script was described as shockingly easy, indicating accidental vulnerabilities that could be exploited. The incident also involved leaking of data collected off devices during transmission to servers, suggesting accidental flaws in data handling processes [14834]. |
| Duration |
permanent |
(a) The software failure incident in the WhatsApp mobile chat program seems to be permanent as it is related to weak security measures that have been criticized by multiple security researchers and bloggers over a period of time [14834]. The criticism includes issues with authentication methods based on easily obtainable identification numbers associated with devices, such as IMEI for Android devices and MAC Address for iOS devices. These vulnerabilities have been highlighted in various blog posts, indicating a fundamental flaw in the security design of the application. Additionally, concerns were raised about data leakage, encryption flaws, and the ease with which accounts could be compromised, posing serious risks to user privacy and security. The ongoing nature of these security vulnerabilities suggests a permanent software failure incident. |
| Behaviour |
crash, omission, value, other |
(a) crash: The software failure incident in the WhatsApp mobile chat program can be attributed to a crash as it was reported that the app had weak security vulnerabilities that could lead to unauthorized access and hijacking of user accounts [14834].
(b) omission: The incident also involves omission as the software failed to adequately secure user data and authentication methods, leading to the omission of performing its intended function of ensuring user privacy and security [14834].
(d) value: The software failure incident falls under the category of failure due to performing its intended functions incorrectly. The incident highlighted flaws in the encryption used for data transmission in WhatsApp, indicating that the software was not correctly executing its security protocols [14834].
(e) byzantine: The software failure incident does not exhibit behavior consistent with a byzantine failure. Instead, the focus is on specific vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the authentication and encryption mechanisms of the app [14834].
(f) other: The other behavior observed in the software failure incident is related to the leakage of data collected off the device during transmission to servers, indicating a failure in data protection and privacy measures [14834]. |