CVE-2014-5318 in jigbrowser+
Summary
by MITRE
The jigbrowser+ application 1.8.1 and earlier for iOS allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via crafted JavaScript code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2018
The jigbrowser+ application version 1.8.1 and earlier for iOS contains a critical security vulnerability that allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy through crafted JavaScript code. This vulnerability represents a significant flaw in the application's web security implementation and demonstrates a failure to properly enforce browser security boundaries. The Same Origin Policy serves as a fundamental security mechanism in web browsers that prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources from another origin, thereby protecting users from cross-site scripting attacks and data theft. When this policy is bypassed, it creates an opening for attackers to execute malicious code across different domains and access sensitive information that should remain isolated.
The technical flaw in jigbrowser+ stems from improper handling of JavaScript execution contexts within the application's web view component. Attackers can craft malicious JavaScript payloads that exploit implementation gaps in the application's security model, allowing them to circumvent the origin-based access controls that normally protect web content. This vulnerability specifically affects the iOS platform and represents a sandbox escape scenario where the application's security boundaries are violated. The issue occurs at the application layer rather than at the operating system level, making it particularly concerning as it undermines the security model that iOS employs to isolate applications from each other and from system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to perform cross-origin resource sharing attacks, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data, session hijacking, and execution of malicious code within the application context. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to target users of the application without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or receiving a crafted message. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited in phishing attacks, drive-by downloads, or other social engineering campaigns. Users who rely on jigbrowser+ for web browsing activities face significant risk of data compromise and potential system exploitation. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the trust model that users place in mobile applications to properly isolate web content execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application updates to versions that address the Same Origin Policy bypass, implementation of proper JavaScript context isolation, and enhanced input validation for all web content. Organizations should deploy network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block malicious JavaScript payloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes weaknesses in the design of code that allows for the execution of arbitrary code, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. Users should be advised to avoid visiting untrusted websites while using the application until the security patch is applied. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious JavaScript behavior and attempts to access cross-origin resources that would normally be blocked by browser security policies. The incident highlights the importance of thorough security testing for mobile applications, particularly those that integrate web browsing capabilities, and demonstrates the critical need for proper sandbox implementation in mobile security models.