CVE-2014-1939 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
java/android/webkit/BrowserFrame.java in Android before 4.4 uses the addJavascriptInterface API in conjunction with creating an object of the SearchBoxImpl class, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary Java code by leveraging access to the searchBoxJavaBridge_ interface at certain Android API levels.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-1939 represents a critical security flaw in the Android webview component that existed prior to Android 4.4. This issue stems from the improper handling of JavaScript interface registration within the BrowserFrame.java implementation, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the interaction between JavaScript and native Java code through the addJavascriptInterface API, which was designed to enable communication between web content and Android applications but was implemented with insufficient security boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests when the Android webview creates a SearchBoxImpl object and registers it with the JavaScript environment using the addJavascriptInterface method. This registration process creates a bridge between the JavaScript context and the native Java environment, but the implementation fails to properly sanitize or restrict the methods exposed to JavaScript. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious JavaScript code that accesses the searchBoxJavaBridge_ interface, which provides direct access to the Java object's methods. This creates a path for arbitrary Java code execution within the context of the Android application, bypassing normal security restrictions that should prevent web content from directly invoking native functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on devices running Android versions before 4.4, potentially leading to complete device compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because webview components are widely used across Android applications, making this vulnerability exploitable through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web applications. The vulnerability is especially dangerous because it allows attackers to perform actions that would normally be restricted to the application's own code, including accessing sensitive device features, reading/writing files, and potentially escalating privileges to gain full system access. This aligns with CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, as the flaw stems from inadequate validation of JavaScript interface exposure.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where attackers leverage JavaScript execution capabilities to gain access to underlying system functionality. The vulnerability also relates to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the ability to execute arbitrary Java code can be used to escalate privileges within the application context. Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Android 4.4 or later versions, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved sandboxing and interface validation. Additionally, developers should avoid using addJavascriptInterface with untrusted content and implement proper input validation for any JavaScript interfaces they do expose, following security best practices established in the OWASP Mobile Security Project guidelines for mobile application security. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper sandboxing in webview implementations and the potential consequences of insufficient security boundaries between JavaScript execution contexts and native code environments.