CVE-2012-4918 in Call of Duty Elite
Summary
by MITRE
Call of Duty Elite for iOS 2.0.1 does not properly validate the server SSL certificate, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4918 affects Call of Duty Elite for iOS version 2.0.1 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communication protocols. This issue stems from inadequate SSL certificate validation mechanisms within the mobile gaming application, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets the secure socket layer implementation that should establish trusted connections between the mobile client and remote servers.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to properly validate SSL certificates during the secure communication establishment process. This weakness allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting fraudulent certificates that the application accepts without proper verification. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper certificate validation as defined by CWE-295, which specifically addresses weaknesses in the validation of certificates used in secure communications. When the application accepts invalid or untrusted certificates, it creates an opening for attackers to intercept and potentially modify communications between the mobile device and the game servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables attackers to gain access to sensitive user information including personal data, authentication credentials, and potentially game-related account details. Mobile gaming applications typically handle substantial amounts of user information including usernames, passwords, and potentially payment information for in-game purchases. The MITM attack vector allows adversaries to eavesdrop on communications and potentially inject malicious content into the game sessions, potentially affecting gameplay integrity and user experience. This vulnerability particularly impacts the trust model of mobile applications and undermines the security assurances that users expect from legitimate gaming platforms.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1046 network service scanning and T1566 credential access techniques. The vulnerability creates an opportunity for attackers to establish persistent access points through the compromised communication channels. Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of proper SSL certificate validation mechanisms, including certificate pinning to prevent acceptance of untrusted certificates. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate MITM activity and establish secure communication protocols that enforce certificate validation at all connection points.
The remediation process requires updating the application to implement robust certificate validation procedures that align with industry standards such as those specified in RFC 5280 for certificate validation and the TLS protocol specifications. Mobile application developers should incorporate certificate pinning mechanisms that explicitly define which certificates or certificate authorities are trusted, preventing attackers from substituting fraudulent certificates. Additionally, implementing certificate transparency measures and regular security audits of network communication components can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure communication implementation in mobile applications and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in the gaming industry's mobile ecosystem.