CVE-2014-0073 in Cordova In-App-Browser Standalone Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The CDVInAppBrowser class in the Apache Cordova In-App-Browser standalone plugin (org.apache.cordova.inappbrowser) before 0.3.2 for iOS and the In-App-Browser plugin for iOS from Cordova 2.6.0 through 2.9.0 does not properly validate callback identifiers, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the host page and consequently gain privileges via a crafted gap-iab: URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0073 affects the Apache Cordova In-App-Browser plugin, a critical component in mobile application development that enables web content to be displayed within native applications. This security flaw exists in versions prior to 0.3.2 for the standalone plugin and in Cordova versions 2.6.0 through 2.9.0, specifically impacting iOS implementations. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of callback identifiers within the CDVInAppBrowser class, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the host application's context.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of gap-iab URIs, which are used by Cordova to communicate between native and web components. When the plugin fails to properly validate callback identifiers, attackers can craft malicious URIs that bypass security checks and inject JavaScript code directly into the host page. This occurs because the validation mechanism does not adequately sanitize or verify the identifiers, allowing unauthorized code execution that operates within the same security context as the legitimate application. The vulnerability essentially creates a cross-site scripting attack vector that can escalate privileges and compromise the entire application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it enables remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete application compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript within the host application's security context, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying application behavior, or escalating privileges to gain deeper system access. The attack requires only a crafted URI that can be delivered through various means such as malicious web content, phishing attacks, or compromised applications, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users may encounter untrusted content.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation in mobile application frameworks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection, specifically leveraging the application's communication channels to execute unauthorized commands. Organizations using Apache Cordova frameworks should immediately update to version 0.3.2 or higher of the In-App-Browser plugin, or upgrade to newer Cordova versions that contain the necessary security patches. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, sanitizing all URI parameters, and restricting access to the gap-iab communication channels can help mitigate the risk until full updates are deployed across all affected applications.