The default settings within Telegram are to blame for this IP address leak. Calls made through the app utilize a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network. When initiating P2P calls, users' IP addresses are displayed in the Telegram console log. However, not all versions of the app feature this console log. Specifically, Windows versions do not display the log, whereas Linux versions do.
- Reference: Telegram Rolls Out Major App Updates for Android and iOS
Telegram Exposes Default IP Addresses of Users
According to the company, users can prevent IP address leaks by accessing Settings =>
The issue lies in the inability of users to disable P2P calls on mobile platforms like Android and iOS. Researcher Dhiraj found that official Telegram versions for desktop and Windows lack the option to disable P2P calls.
This means that users' IP addresses are susceptible to leakage whenever they use Telegram for calls. Here's a specific example of IP address leakage in the Telegram console for Ubuntu.
In a video demonstrating IP address leakage, researcher Dhiraj stated:
'In the video I shared, the Proof of Concept (PoC) includes 3 leaked IP addresses: Telegram server IP, my personal IP, and end user IP.
With Telegram's acknowledgment of missing settings in Telegram Desktop for Windows, Dhiraj received a €2,000 reward and his report was assigned CVE-2018-17780 ID.
The issue has been addressed in Telegram Desktop version 1.3.17 beta and version 1.4.0, with the company adding an option to disable P2P calls.
Currently, there are numerous methods to check your computer's IP address. You can use CMD commands or online services to fulfill your work or gaming needs.
To download the latest version of Telegram for Desktop and install it, visit here: Download Telegram
You can also use Telegram on your mobile device here:
- Download Telegram for Android
- Download Telegram for iPhone
Warning: There is currently a surge in fake websites attempting to deceive users. Therefore, we must exercise caution while browsing the web to ensure the safety of personal information and avoid potential damage to stored data on our computers.