CVE-2014-7224 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A Code Execution vulnerability exists in Android prior to 4.4.0 related to the addJavascriptInterface method and the accessibility and accessibilityTraversal objects, which could let a remote malicious user execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7224 represents a critical code execution flaw in Android operating systems prior to version 4.4.0, specifically within the WebView component that handles JavaScript interface interactions. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of the addJavascriptInterface method which allows Java objects to be exposed to JavaScript running in web contexts. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when combined with accessibility services that can manipulate the accessibility and accessibilityTraversal objects, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a combination of factors that leverage the Android accessibility framework and WebView JavaScript interfaces. When an application uses addJavascriptInterface to expose Java objects to JavaScript, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the interface objects, particularly when accessibility services are involved. The accessibilityTraversal object provides access to the view hierarchy, and when combined with the accessibility service functionality, it creates an attack surface where malicious JavaScript can manipulate the accessibility framework to gain elevated privileges. This represents a classic example of improper input validation and privilege escalation, classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-264 as "Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls."
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across the Android ecosystem, affecting millions of devices running Android versions earlier than 4.4.0. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in a WebView component, can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the hosting application. This means that malicious actors could potentially access sensitive user data, install malware, modify system settings, or even escalate privileges to gain root access on affected devices. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through remote web content, making it an ideal target for phishing attacks, malicious websites, and drive-by downloads. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation."
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7224 primarily focus on patching and updating affected systems to Android 4.4.0 or later versions where Google implemented proper safeguards against this vulnerability. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and applications that may be exposed to this threat. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary JavaScript interfaces, implementing strict content security policies, and monitoring for suspicious accessibility service usage. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with cross-platform interface components. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their devices updated with the latest security patches. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and monitor for exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper privilege management and the potential risks associated with exposing native application interfaces to untrusted JavaScript environments, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 and OWASP Top 10 security guidelines.