CVE-2015-7771 in Applican Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the runtime engine in the Newphoria applican framework before 1.13.0 for Android and iOS allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted SSID that is encountered by an applican application, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7772.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2018
The CVE-2015-7771 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Newphoria application framework's runtime engine, affecting versions prior to 1.13.0 on both Android and iOS platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the framework's handling of Service Set Identifiers within wireless network environments, creating a unique attack vector that leverages the inherent trust users place in network identification data. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content through the manipulation of SSID values, which are typically encountered during network discovery and connection processes. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2015-7772, this issue operates through a distinct code path that specifically involves the framework's wireless network management components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Newphoria framework's SSID processing logic. When an application built on this framework encounters a crafted SSID value, the runtime engine fails to properly escape or validate the input before rendering it in the application's user interface. This oversight creates a classic XSS attack surface where malicious SSID strings containing script tags or other HTML elements can be executed in the context of the application's web view or user interface components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because SSIDs are frequently encountered during normal network operations, making the attack surface expansive and the exploitation relatively straightforward for remote adversaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7771 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling sophisticated attack chains that could lead to full application compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal user session tokens, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute arbitrary commands within the application context. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability affects both Android and iOS applications built on the Newphoria framework, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this technology stack. Given that wireless network discovery is a fundamental application function, this vulnerability could be exploited in various contexts including public Wi-Fi networks, enterprise environments, or even through malicious network broadcasts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for input validation and output encoding.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7771 primarily focus on upgrading to Newphoria framework version 1.13.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SSID validation and sanitization issues. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to monitor and filter suspicious SSID values, though this approach provides only partial protection. Application developers should conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on input validation for wireless network parameters and implement proper output encoding for all dynamic content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying security patches promptly and highlights the need for robust input validation across all network-related components. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises for mobile applications and ensure that network discovery features are properly secured against malicious inputs. This issue underscores the broader ATT&CK framework concept of initial access through network services and emphasizes the critical need for secure mobile application development practices that address all input vectors including wireless network parameters.