Improper input validation in Apache Cordova Plugin InAppBrowser
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- High
- Attack requirements
- None
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 4.0 · CNA. Fix status from CNA and GitHub.
Summary
## Summary The iOS implementation of `cordova-plugin-inappbrowser` passes the `id` field from a `WKScriptMessage` body to `commandDelegate sendPluginResult:callbackId:` with no format validation (`CDVWKInAppBrowser.m:560–574`). Any web content loaded inside the InAppBrowser can fire any pending Cordova callback in the host app by posting a message whose `id` field is a guessable or enumerated callback identifier. An attack abusing this weakness must be tailored to the specific plugins and callback IDs the host app uses. Though an attacker with knowledge of common Cordova plugin configurations could craft reusable payloads targeting widely-adopted plugins. ## Impact An unauthenticated remote attacker who controls content displayed in the InAppBrowser — via a URL the app opens (OAuth redirect, marketing link, deep-link target) or a network interception — can call `window.webkit.messageHandlers.cordova_iab.postMessage({id: '<victim-callback-id>', d: '...'})` to fire callbacks belonging to any other installed Cordova plugin (Camera, Contacts, File, Geolocation). Cordova callback IDs follow the predictable format `<PluginName><sequential-integer>`, making enumeration feasible. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to spoof plugin results across trust boundaries — for example, injecting a forged camera approval, a fabricated contacts list, or a crafted file-read response. This issue affects Cordova Plugin InAppBrowser: from 3.1.0 through 6.0.0. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 6.0.1, which fixes the issue.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Cordova Plugin InAppBrowser | 3.1.0 – 6.0.0 | — | No fix listed | CNA |
| — | cordova-plugin-inappbrowser (npm) | before 6.0.1 | 6.0.1 | Patch available | GHSA-q42j-x8rq-pjg6 |
- Cordova Plugin InAppBrowser VendorApache Affected 3.1.0 – 6.0.0 Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
- cordova-plugin-inappbrowser (npm) Vendor— Affected before 6.0.1 Fixed in 6.0.1 Patch available GHSA-q42j-x8rq-pjg6
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-q42j-x8rq-pjg6 cordova-plugin-inappbrowser (npm) Fixed in 6.0.1 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-47430
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-q42j-x8rq-pjg6
References
More Apache Cordova Inappbrowser vulnerabilities
- TI-2019-00192 Cross-site scripting in Apache Cordova CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
Sources
- CVE-2026-47430 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-47430 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-q42j-x8rq-pjg6 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences