CVE-2012-5179 in Boat Browser Mini
Summary
by MITRE
The Boat Browser application before 4.2 and Boat Browser Mini application before 3.9 for Android do not properly implement the WebView class, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5179 affects Boat Browser and Boat Browser Mini applications on Android platforms, specifically targeting versions prior to 4.2 and 3.9 respectively. This security flaw resides in the improper implementation of the WebView class, which serves as the core component for rendering web content within Android applications. The WebView class is fundamental to mobile browser implementations and provides the interface between native application code and web-based content, making its secure implementation critical for overall application security.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient sandboxing and security controls within the WebView implementation, allowing malicious applications to exploit the compromised rendering environment. Attackers can craft specially designed applications that leverage the vulnerable WebView behavior to access sensitive information from the host application or underlying system. This vulnerability essentially creates an attack surface where unauthorized data access becomes possible through manipulation of the web rendering component, bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect sensitive user data and application internals.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially extract user credentials, session tokens, personal data, and other sensitive information stored within the application context. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the WebView component and the host application, allowing malicious actors to perform reconnaissance and data exfiltration attacks. This represents a significant risk to user privacy and application security, particularly in environments where these browsers handle sensitive personal or financial information, creating potential pathways for identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to protected resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5179 require immediate application updates to versions that properly implement the WebView class according to Android security best practices. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing of mobile applications, particularly focusing on WebView security configurations and sandboxing mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and maps to ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and information gathering. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts, while ensuring proper application sandboxing and access control mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized data access through compromised web rendering components.