CVE-2018-4943 in PhoneGap Push Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe PhoneGap Push Plugin versions 1.8.0 and earlier have an exploitable Same-Origin Method Execution vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to JavaScript code execution in the context of the PhoneGap app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4943 affects Adobe PhoneGap Push Plugin versions 1.8.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental security model of web-based mobile applications. This issue resides within the plugin's implementation of cross-origin communication mechanisms, specifically targeting the same-origin policy enforcement that serves as a cornerstone of web security. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of origin parameters in the plugin's JavaScript execution pathways, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate the application's security boundaries through crafted input.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's handling of push notification callbacks and message processing within the PhoneGap framework. When the plugin receives push notifications, it processes incoming data without adequate origin verification, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes within the same security context as the legitimate application. This Same-Origin Method Execution vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and mobile application sandboxing, where the traditional browser security model fails to adequately protect mobile applications built on hybrid frameworks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it bypasses the normal security boundaries that separate different origins and applications, enabling code execution with the privileges and permissions of the legitimate PhoneGap application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive application data, manipulate user interactions, and potentially escalate privileges within the mobile application environment. Mobile applications using the affected plugin become vulnerable to attacks that could compromise user privacy, data integrity, and application availability. The attack surface is particularly broad given that PhoneGap applications often handle sensitive user information, authentication tokens, and personal data, making successful exploitation particularly damaging. This vulnerability affects the broader mobile application ecosystem by demonstrating how hybrid application frameworks can inadvertently expose security weaknesses that traditional web applications might not encounter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4943 require immediate patching of the affected PhoneGap Push Plugin to version 1.9.0 or later, which implements proper origin validation and input sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as Content Security Policy enforcement, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security audits of third-party plugins. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes weaknesses in the code that allow for arbitrary code execution, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin across their application portfolio and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that emphasize input validation, origin verification, and proper error handling to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future implementations.