CVE-2014-7241 in TSUTAYA
Summary
by MITRE
The TSUTAYA application 5.3 and earlier for Android allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java methods via a crafted HTML document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7241 represents a critical security flaw in the TSUTAYA application version 5.3 and earlier for Android platforms. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of web content within the application's WebView component, which is commonly used to render HTML documents and web-based interfaces. The TSUTAYA application, designed for digital media management and distribution, incorporates web viewing capabilities that inadvertently expose the underlying Android system to malicious code execution through crafted HTML content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly sanitize or restrict JavaScript execution within HTML documents loaded through its WebView interface. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious HTML document containing specially formatted JavaScript code, the application's WebView component executes these methods with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the application's security boundaries. This flaw operates under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities where web applications fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before rendering it as part of web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating a potential attack vector that could allow adversaries to access sensitive user data, manipulate application functionality, or escalate privileges within the Android environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as accessing stored credentials, modifying application settings, or even executing arbitrary commands on the device. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the device, making it particularly concerning for mobile applications that handle personal or financial information.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers JavaScript and VBScript execution through web interfaces. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify vulnerable applications, followed by crafting of malicious HTML payloads that exploit the WebView component. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the high-risk category, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised application stores. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege when implementing web-based components in mobile applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7241 should include immediate patching of affected TSUTAYA application versions to 5.4 or later, which contain proper input sanitization and WebView security enhancements. Organizations should implement network-level controls to monitor and block suspicious HTML content, particularly when users are expected to interact with untrusted web sources. Additionally, mobile device management solutions should enforce security policies that restrict WebView functionality and disable unnecessary JavaScript execution. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments for mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data.