CVE-2012-4011 in KUNAI
Summary
by MITRE
The Cybozu KUNAI application before 2.0.6 for Android allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java methods, and obtain sensitive information or execute arbitrary commands, via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4011 affects the Cybozu KUNAI application version 2.0.5 and earlier on Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution and information disclosure. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insecure method handling within the application's web interface processing capabilities. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious websites that can trigger arbitrary Java method execution within the application context, bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect against such unauthorized operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's handling of web content and method invocation mechanisms. When the Cybozu KUNAI application processes web requests or loads content from external sources, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters that control method calls. This creates a path where attacker-controlled data can influence the application's execution flow, leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's ability to distinguish between legitimate and malicious method invocations, allowing remote attackers to exploit this weakness through crafted web content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on the Cybozu KUNAI application for business processes. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices, potentially gaining full control over the application's functionality and access to sensitive data stored within or processed by the application. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to devices or network proximity to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mobile applications handle confidential business information. The vulnerability also enables information disclosure attacks that could expose sensitive user data, business documents, or system configurations.
The security implications extend beyond immediate exploitation as this vulnerability can serve as a foothold for broader attacks within a network environment. According to the CWE catalog, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and CWE-94, which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a code injection technique that could lead to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms within mobile environments. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that requires comprehensive mobile application security assessments and regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar weaknesses in other mobile applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the Cybozu KUNAI application to version 2.0.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent access to known malicious sites. Additional protective measures include mobile device management policies that restrict application permissions and regular security awareness training for users to recognize potentially malicious web content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in mobile application development, particularly when handling external content and dynamic method invocation.