CVE-2019-16681 in App
Summary
by MITRE
The Traveloka application 3.14.0 for Android exports com.traveloka.android.activity.common.WebViewActivity, leading to file disclosure and XSS.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16681 affects the Traveloka mobile application version 3.14.0 for Android platforms. This security flaw stems from the improper export of a specific activity component within the application's manifest file. The affected activity is named com.traveloka.android.activity.common.WebViewActivity which is designed to display web content within the application's interface. When an activity is exported in Android applications, it means that other applications can directly launch and interact with it, potentially bypassing the application's intended security boundaries and access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper exposure of the WebViewActivity component which serves as an entry point for loading external web content. This export creates a pathway for malicious applications to invoke the activity directly, allowing them to pass arbitrary URLs or content parameters that are then rendered within the WebView component. The vulnerability manifests as both information disclosure and cross-site scripting issues, indicating that the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters passed to the WebView. This creates a scenario where sensitive data could be accessed or manipulated through crafted payloads that exploit the exposed activity interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure as it represents a critical flaw in the application's security architecture. Attackers can leverage this exported activity to access files that should normally remain protected within the application's sandboxed environment. The cross-site scripting component allows for malicious code execution within the context of the WebView, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, access local storage, or perform actions on behalf of the user. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-922 which addresses insufficient export of Android components, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage within web applications. The security implications are particularly severe as the WebView component often has access to the application's local storage and can potentially access other application resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation of the exported activity declaration within the Android manifest file. The most effective approach involves removing or restricting the export attribute from the WebViewActivity component, ensuring that only the application itself can launch this activity through proper intent handling. Additionally, comprehensive input validation and sanitization must be implemented within the WebView component to prevent malicious content from being rendered. The application should enforce proper access controls and implement the principle of least privilege for all exported components. Security teams should conduct thorough penetration testing to identify other potentially exported activities that may present similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and regular security audits to prevent similar issues in future releases. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to Android security guidelines, particularly regarding component exposure and WebView security configurations.