CVE-2012-2648 in GoodReader
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the GoodReader app 3.16 and earlier for iOS on the iPad, and 3.15.1 and earlier for iOS on the iPhone and iPod touch, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving use of this app in conjunction with a web browser.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2019
The CVE-2012-2648 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the GoodReader mobile application ecosystem affecting iOS devices across multiple versions. This vulnerability specifically impacts GoodReader versions 3.16 and earlier on iPad devices, alongside versions 3.15.1 and earlier on iPhone and iPod touch devices. The flaw exists within the application's handling of web content and its interaction with mobile web browsers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the application context. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic XSS attack vector where untrusted input is improperly sanitized before being rendered in the application's user interface, particularly when the app processes web-based content through integrated browser components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated attack chain that leverages the app's integration with web browsers on iOS platforms. Attackers can craft malicious web content or manipulate existing web pages that, when accessed through GoodReader, will execute unintended scripts within the application's context. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input from web sources, allowing malicious payloads to be embedded in URLs, web forms, or other web-based interfaces that the app processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the intersection of mobile application security and web browser security, where the boundaries between trusted application components and potentially malicious web content become blurred. This flaw is categorized under CWE-79 as a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability, where the application fails to properly escape or filter user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamic web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the context of the GoodReader application. An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive files stored within the application's sandboxed environment, or redirect users to malicious websites that exploit additional vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to leverage the trust relationship between the user and the GoodReader application, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, data exfiltration, or even privilege escalation within the mobile device's security model. The attack surface is further expanded due to the application's typical use case involving document viewing and web content access, making it a prime target for exploitation in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks against users who regularly access web-based documents through the application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach combining immediate application updates, user education, and network-level protections. The most effective solution involves updating to GoodReader versions that have implemented proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent XSS injection attacks. Security professionals should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection patterns, particularly those targeting mobile applications. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of accessing untrusted web content through mobile applications and should be encouraged to regularly update their applications to the latest secure versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of mobile application security testing and the need for comprehensive security reviews of applications that integrate with web browsers or process external web content. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management policies that enforce automatic application updates and restrict access to potentially malicious web content through enterprise security controls. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices in mobile applications and the importance of following established security frameworks such as those defined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and NIST Mobile Security Guidelines.