CVE-2012-1249 in Ilunascape Android
Summary
by MITRE
The iLunascape application 1.0.4.0 and earlier for Android does not properly implement the WebView class, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive stored information via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1249 affects the iLunascape application version 1.0.4.0 and earlier on the Android platform, representing a critical security flaw in how the application handles web content rendering through the WebView component. This issue stems from improper implementation of the Android WebView class, which serves as the core component for displaying web pages within native applications. The WebView class in Android systems is designed to provide a sandboxed environment for web content execution while maintaining separation between the application and web resources, but the flawed implementation in iLunascape creates exploitable conditions that compromise this security model.
The technical flaw manifests when remote attackers can craft malicious applications or web content that leverages the WebView's improper security boundaries to access sensitive stored information within the application's data storage. This vulnerability operates under the principle that the WebView component should isolate web content execution from the host application's file system and internal data structures. However, the inadequate implementation allows for information disclosure through cross-site scripting or other web-based attack vectors that can access local storage mechanisms, cookies, or cached data that should remain protected within the application's secure context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and represents a failure in proper data isolation within mobile application frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user data that may include personal information, session tokens, authentication credentials, or other confidential data stored within the application's local storage. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web content or applications that interact with the vulnerable WebView implementation to extract stored data without proper authorization. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates through legitimate web browsing mechanisms, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected while harvesting sensitive information over time. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to stored application data through compromised WebView components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1249 should prioritize immediate application updates to versions that properly implement the Android WebView class with appropriate security boundaries and data isolation mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional security controls including network monitoring to detect unusual data access patterns and regular security assessments of mobile applications. The remediation process should involve comprehensive code review of WebView implementations to ensure proper sandboxing, appropriate use of security settings such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript execution, and implementation of secure data storage practices. Security teams should also consider implementing mobile application security testing protocols that specifically target WebView vulnerabilities and ensure proper handling of local data storage within mobile applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to mobile security best practices and maintaining regular security updates to protect against exploitation of core framework components that handle web content rendering and data storage operations.