CVE-2019-12368 in App
Summary
by MITRE
The Edison Mail application through 1.7.1 for Android allows XSS via an event attribute and arbitrary file loading via a src attribute, if the application has the READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12368 affects the Edison Mail application version 1.7.1 and earlier on Android platforms, presenting a significant security risk through cross-site scripting and arbitrary file loading capabilities. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's handling of event attributes and source attributes, creating pathways for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code and access sensitive system resources.
The technical flaw manifests through two primary attack vectors that leverage the application's permission model and HTML parsing mechanisms. The first vector involves cross-site scripting through event attributes, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-controllable input that gets rendered as HTML event handlers. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting and follows the ATT&CK technique T1211 - Exploitation for Defense Evasion. The second vector occurs when the application processes a src attribute that allows arbitrary file loading, particularly when the READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission is granted, enabling attackers to load malicious content from external storage locations. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that aligns with CWE-264 - Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or display manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the application's context and potentially access the device's file system. When combined with the READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission, attackers can load malicious files from external storage, creating a persistent threat vector that could lead to full device compromise. The vulnerability affects users who have installed the affected application version and have granted the necessary storage permissions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where email applications often have elevated privileges. The risk is amplified by the fact that email applications frequently handle sensitive corporate data, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-12368 should prioritize immediate application updates from the vendor to address the identified XSS and file loading vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement strict permission controls, ensuring that applications only receive necessary permissions such as READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE when absolutely required for functionality. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit these vulnerabilities. Additionally, security awareness training for end users should emphasize the importance of not opening suspicious email attachments or clicking on untrusted links that could trigger these XSS payloads. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments of mobile applications and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent event attribute injection and proper validation of external file sources. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor and control application permissions and behavior to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.