CVE-2014-5529 in Library
Summary
by MITRE
The Gameloft library for Android does not 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 • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5529 represents a critical security flaw within the Gameloft library for Android applications that directly impacts the integrity of secure communications between mobile devices and backend servers. This weakness stems from the library's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS handshakes, creating an exploitable condition that fundamentally undermines the cryptographic security measures designed to protect data transmission. The flaw exists at the certificate validation layer where the library accepts any certificate presented by a server without performing the essential verification steps required to establish trust. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects mobile applications that rely on Gameloft's proprietary libraries for network communication, potentially exposing user data to interception and manipulation by malicious actors positioned within the network traffic path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the library's SSL/TLS certificate validation logic where proper certificate chain verification, hostname matching, and trust anchor validation procedures are either completely omitted or inadequately implemented. According to CWE-295, this represents a weakness in certificate validation that allows for improper certificate validation, specifically categorized under "Improper Certificate Validation" where the system fails to properly validate the authenticity of certificates used in secure communications. The vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle attacks by allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application, effectively bypassing the security mechanisms that should prevent such attacks. This flaw operates at the application layer where the security controls are insufficiently enforced, making it a prime target for attackers who can leverage this weakness to intercept sensitive information transmitted between the mobile application and its servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a persistent security risk that can compromise user privacy, financial data, and personal information stored within or transmitted by affected applications. Mobile applications utilizing the Gameloft library become susceptible to various attack vectors including credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration, particularly when these applications handle sensitive user information such as login credentials, payment information, or personal identifiers. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of affected applications by weakening the trust model that should exist between the client and server components of mobile applications, making it easier for attackers to establish malicious connections that appear legitimate to end users. This risk is compounded by the widespread use of Gameloft's libraries in mobile gaming applications, which often collect and transmit user data, potentially exposing millions of users to security threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from application developers and security teams to address the root cause through proper certificate validation implementation. Organizations should implement certificate pinning mechanisms to ensure that applications only accept specific certificates or certificate authorities, thereby preventing attackers from using fraudulent certificates to impersonate legitimate servers. The remediation process involves updating the Gameloft library to a version that properly implements X.509 certificate validation, including proper certificate chain verification, hostname validation, and trust anchor checking. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect unusual certificate behavior and establish automated alerting for potential man-in-the-middle attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 which covers "Phishing via Service Provider", where the improper certificate validation can be exploited to create convincing phishing scenarios. The recommended approach includes comprehensive code review, security testing of network communications, and implementation of robust certificate validation procedures that align with industry standards such as those defined in RFC 5280 for X.509 certificate validation and the TLS protocol specifications. Organizations should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify all applications using the affected library and prioritize remediation efforts based on the sensitivity of data handled by each application.