CVE-2012-2645 in Yahoo!
Summary
by MITRE
The Yahoo! Japan Yahoo! Browser application 1.2.0 and earlier for Android does 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 • 02/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2645 affects the Yahoo Browser application version 1.2.0 and earlier on Android platforms. This security flaw resides within the application's implementation of the WebView class, which serves as the core component for rendering web content within native applications. The WebView class is fundamental to Android application development, enabling apps to display web pages and interact with web-based content while maintaining integration with the native application environment.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate sandboxing and security controls within the WebView component of the Yahoo! Browser application. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the application's web rendering capabilities to access sensitive information that should otherwise remain protected. The weakness manifests when the application processes crafted malicious content through the WebView, potentially exposing user data, session information, or other confidential elements stored within the application's memory space or associated with the device.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users of the affected Yahoo! Browser application. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform information disclosure attacks, potentially gaining access to personal data, login credentials, or other sensitive user information. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the device or local network presence, making it particularly concerning for mobile users who may encounter malicious web content while browsing. The impact extends beyond individual user privacy concerns to potential data breaches that could compromise user accounts and sensitive communications.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic example of how improper implementation of system components can create security weaknesses. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw fits within ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can exploit WebView components to execute malicious code or extract information. The issue also relates to T1557.001 for Lateral Movement through web-based attacks, as the vulnerability could potentially serve as an entry point for broader exploitation within user environments. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of the Yahoo! Browser application, disabling unnecessary WebView functionality, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should avoid visiting untrusted websites while using the affected application and consider alternative browsers until the vulnerability is properly addressed through official security updates.