CVE-2024-42041 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the Android application com.videodownload.browser.videodownloader, also known as AppTool-Browser-Video All Video Downloader. The flaw resides in the acr.browser.lightning.DefaultBrowserActivity component, which improperly allows execution of arbitrary JavaScript code. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, indicating code injection issues where untrusted input is executed as code. The attack vector is remote network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as clicking a malicious link or opening crafted content within the app. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity severely (C:H/I:H), but does not affect availability (A:N). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high severity. Exploitation could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts that can steal sensitive information, manipulate app behavior, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no active exploitation has been reported. Given the app’s function as a video downloader browser, users may be exposed when browsing or downloading content, increasing the risk of encountering malicious payloads. The vulnerability’s presence in a popular Android app raises concerns for mobile users globally, especially in regions with high Android adoption and app usage.

The impact of CVE-2024-42041 is significant for organizations and individual users relying on the affected Android application. Successful exploitation can lead to the compromise of sensitive user data, including credentials, personal information, and potentially corporate data if the device is used for work purposes. Attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript, enabling them to bypass security controls, perform phishing attacks, or manipulate app functionality. This undermines user trust and can lead to data breaches or unauthorized access to other connected systems. Although availability is not impacted, the loss of confidentiality and integrity can have severe consequences, including identity theft, financial fraud, and corporate espionage. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or mobile workforce using this app are particularly vulnerable. The lack of a patch increases exposure time, and the requirement for user interaction means social engineering techniques can facilitate exploitation. The threat is amplified in regions with high Android market share and where this app is popular, potentially affecting millions of users.

To mitigate CVE-2024-42041, organizations and users should immediately assess the presence of the vulnerable app on Android devices and consider uninstalling or disabling it until a patch is available. Restricting app permissions, especially those related to network access and JavaScript execution, can reduce risk. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce app blacklisting or whitelisting policies. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted links or content within the app to minimize the chance of triggering the vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web filtering and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious payloads targeting this vulnerability. Monitoring device logs and network traffic for unusual JavaScript execution or suspicious activity can provide early detection. Developers and vendors should prioritize releasing a security update to fix the code injection flaw. Until then, organizations should implement layered defenses combining user training, technical controls, and continuous monitoring to reduce exposure.