CVE-2012-1244 in Spmode Mail Android
Summary
by MITRE
The NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application 5400 and earlier for Android does not properly verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive information via a crafted certificate.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1244 affects the NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application version 5400 and earlier on Android devices, representing a critical security flaw in the certificate validation process. This weakness stems from inadequate X.509 certificate verification mechanisms within the application's Secure Sockets Layer implementation, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user communications. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's inability to properly validate the authenticity and integrity of SSL certificates presented by servers during secure connections.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to perform comprehensive certificate chain validation, allowing attackers to construct and present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application. This improper certificate validation process enables man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can intercept and modify communications between users and legitimate servers. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer security validation level, specifically targeting the certificate verification routines that should ensure server authenticity before establishing encrypted connections. According to CWE standards, this represents a weakness in certificate validation (CWE-295) where the system fails to properly validate the trustworthiness of certificates used in secure communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the email application and potentially exposes users to various forms of cyber attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive user information including email content, authentication credentials, and personal data transmitted through the compromised application. The implications are particularly severe given that the affected application is designed for mobile email communications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to intercept personal and potentially business-related communications. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential harvesting through phishing and T1041 for data exfiltration through encrypted channels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of the NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application where certificate validation has been properly implemented and strengthened. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect anomalous certificate behavior and potential man-in-the-middle attacks. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of mobile applications and ensure proper certificate pinning mechanisms are implemented to prevent the acceptance of unauthorized certificates. Additionally, user education regarding the importance of certificate warnings and the potential risks of ignoring security alerts remains crucial in defending against exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verification that certificate validation is properly enforced and that the application maintains up-to-date trust stores with legitimate certificate authorities.