CVE-2023-47883 in com.altamirano.fabricio.tvbrowser
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2023
The com.altamirano.fabricio.tvbrowser TV browser application through 4.5.1 for Android is vulnerable to JavaScript code execution via an explicit intent due to an exposed MainActivity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47883 affects the com.altamirano.fabricio.tvbrowser TV browser application version 4.5.1 and earlier on Android platforms. This security flaw represents a critical exposure that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code through an explicit intent mechanism. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of intent filters within its MainActivity component, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by remote adversaries. The exposed MainActivity serves as an entry point for attackers to craft malicious intents that trigger JavaScript execution within the application context, bypassing normal security boundaries and potentially leading to full system compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's lack of proper intent validation and sanitization mechanisms. When the MainActivity is configured to accept external intents without adequate security checks, it becomes susceptible to malicious intent injection attacks. This flaw aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-79, which address injection vulnerabilities and cross-site scripting respectively, though the specific implementation in this case involves Android intent handling rather than web-based scripting. The vulnerability enables attackers to construct specially crafted intents that can be delivered through various attack vectors including malicious websites, SMS messages, or other applications that can trigger the exposed component. The exposed nature of the MainActivity means that any application on the device can potentially send intents to it, creating a dangerous attack surface that violates the principle of least privilege.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-47883 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, device manipulation, and persistent access. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute JavaScript code that accesses sensitive user data, modifies application behavior, or even establishes backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The TV browser application context adds additional risk as it may handle user credentials, browsing history, and other sensitive information. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The impact is particularly severe in environments where users trust the application with sensitive information or where the application has elevated privileges due to its TV browser functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-47883 should focus on implementing proper intent filtering and validation within the application's AndroidManifest.xml configuration. Developers must ensure that the MainActivity component does not accept external intents without proper verification of the intent source and content. This involves implementing intent verification mechanisms that check the calling application's identity and validate the intent parameters before processing. The recommended approach includes using explicit intent restrictions, implementing proper permission checks, and ensuring that the application does not export components unnecessarily. Security patches should involve updating the application to version 4.5.2 or later, which should include proper intent handling and component exposure controls. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious intent traffic patterns and consider using Android application security tools to identify similar exposure vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to Android security best practices as outlined in the Android Security Model documentation and OWASP Mobile Security Project guidelines.