CVE-2012-2635 in Dolphin Browser HD
Summary
by MITRE
The Dolphin Browser HD application before 7.6 and Dolphin for Pad application before 1.0.1 for Android do not properly implement the WebView class, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2635 affects Dolphin Browser HD versions prior to 7.6 and Dolphin for Pad versions prior to 1.0.1 on Android platforms. This issue stems from improper implementation of the WebView class within these mobile browser applications, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote attackers to access sensitive information. The WebView component in Android applications serves as a crucial interface for rendering web content and handling user interactions, making its proper implementation essential for maintaining application security boundaries.
The technical flaw lies in the insecure handling of the WebView class which allows malicious actors to craft specific applications or web content that can bypass normal security restrictions. This vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the browser's rendering engine to access sensitive data that should normally be restricted to the application's internal processes. The improper implementation creates a pathway for information disclosure attacks where attackers can potentially extract data from the application's memory space or access files that should remain protected. This represents a classic case of inadequate input validation and security boundary enforcement within the application's web rendering subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information without requiring physical access to the device or elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access personal data, session information, or other confidential content stored within the application's context. The vulnerability affects mobile users who rely on these browsers for web navigation, potentially exposing their private information to malicious actors who can craft specific payloads to exploit the WebView implementation flaw. This creates a risk for both individual privacy and enterprise security, particularly in environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data.
Mitigation strategies should focus on updating to patched versions of the Dolphin Browser applications where the WebView implementation has been corrected. Organizations should implement mobile device management policies that enforce timely updates and monitor for vulnerable applications on their devices. Security practitioners should also consider network-level monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and implement application sandboxing measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for remote code execution through web-based attacks. The remediation process requires careful testing of updated applications to ensure compatibility while addressing the core WebView security implementation issues that allowed the information disclosure to occur.