CVE-2012-4004 in Sleipnir Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Sleipnir Mobile application 2.2.0 and earlier and Sleipnir Mobile Black Edition application 2.2.0 and earlier for Android allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted application that interacts with an unspecified Sleipnir Mobile function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2018
The CVE-2012-4004 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Sleipnir Mobile browser applications for Android platforms. This vulnerability affects both the standard Sleipnir Mobile 2.2.0 and earlier versions, as well as the specialized Sleipnir Mobile Black Edition 2.2.0 and earlier releases. The flaw resides in how these mobile applications handle input validation within unspecified internal functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates entirely within the application context without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or engaging with crafted content.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the application's internal processing functions. When the Sleipnir Mobile applications encounter crafted input through web requests or content interactions, they fail to properly validate or escape the data before rendering it within the browser environment. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the user's browsing session. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's handling of web content and its interaction with web-based functions, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to significant security risks including session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized data access. Attackers can leverage the XSS flaw to steal user authentication tokens, capture sensitive information entered into web forms, or redirect users to malicious websites that appear legitimate. The impact extends beyond individual user compromise as the vulnerability affects all users of the affected versions, creating a widespread threat surface. The mobile nature of the application means that users may be exposed while browsing on public networks or in less secure environments, amplifying the potential for exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.008 technique for command and scripting interpreter. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic input validation failure that could be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised third-party content. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by threat actors with varying skill levels.
Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest versions of the Sleipnir Mobile applications where available, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls, and educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing content security policies to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in mobile application development, particularly for browser applications that handle user-generated content and web interactions.