CVE-2012-2993 in Windows Phone
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows Phone 7 does not verify the domain name in the subject s Common Name (CN) field of an X.509 certificate, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof an SSL server for the (1) POP3, (2) IMAP, or (3) SMTP protocol via an arbitrary valid certificate.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
This vulnerability exists in Microsoft Windows Phone 7 operating system where the device fails to properly validate SSL certificates during secure communications with email servers. The flaw specifically affects the certificate validation process for POP3, IMAP, and SMTP protocols, which are fundamental components of email communication infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of X.509 certificate validation logic where the system does not adequately verify that the domain name in the certificate's Common Name field matches the actual server being connected to.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting a valid SSL certificate that contains a different domain name in the Common Name field than what the client expects. This weakness directly violates the fundamental security principle of certificate validation that ensures server authenticity. According to CWE-295, this represents a weakness in certificate validation where the system fails to properly validate the certificate against the expected hostname, creating a path for attackers to impersonate legitimate email servers without proper authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it compromises the confidentiality and integrity of email communications on Windows Phone 7 devices. Users are vulnerable to eavesdropping attacks where sensitive email data can be intercepted and potentially modified by malicious actors. The attack vector requires the attacker to obtain a valid certificate from a Certificate Authority, which is then used to establish a false SSL connection that appears legitimate to the victim's device. This vulnerability affects the core security model of email communication on mobile platforms and represents a critical failure in the device's security architecture.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to establish fraudulent email server connections that can be used to harvest credentials or intercept sensitive communications. The vulnerability also aligns with T1557 Adversary-in-the-Middle, as it provides a mechanism for attackers to position themselves between legitimate email clients and servers. Organizations and individuals using Windows Phone 7 devices are particularly vulnerable as the flaw exists in the device's core security implementation rather than in application software, making it difficult to remediate without system-level updates or device replacement. The lack of proper hostname validation creates an environment where attackers can successfully impersonate legitimate email services without detection, undermining trust in the email communication infrastructure.