CVE-2014-5585 in Like4Like: Get Instagram Likes
Summary
by MITRE
The Like4Like: Get Instagram Likes (aka com.bepop.bepop) application 2.1.5 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.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5585 affects the Like4Like: Get Instagram Likes Android application version 2.1.5, presenting a critical security flaw in the application's cryptographic implementation. This weakness resides in the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. The vulnerability directly impacts the application's ability to establish secure communication channels with remote servers, fundamentally undermining the security assurances that SSL/TLS protocols are designed to provide.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of certificate verification within the application's SSL implementation, which falls under CWE-295 - Improper Certificate Validation. This weakness allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting fraudulent certificates that the application accepts without proper validation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core security mechanism that should protect user credentials, personal information, and communication privacy. When an application fails to verify certificate chains, it essentially removes the cryptographic trust model that SSL/TLS relies upon, making it trivial for attackers to intercept and manipulate data in transit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables sophisticated attack patterns that align with ATT&CK technique T1041 - Exfiltration Over C2 Channel. Attackers can not only steal sensitive information but also potentially inject malicious content into the application's communication streams, modify user data, or redirect users to malicious endpoints. The affected application's users face risks including credential theft, personal information exposure, and potential account compromise, particularly given the nature of the service which likely involves social media account access. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it attractive to threat actors who can leverage it to compromise user accounts and personal data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the fundamental cryptographic implementation flaw through comprehensive code review and security testing. Organizations should implement certificate pinning mechanisms that validate server certificates against known good certificates or public key fingerprints, as recommended by industry best practices. The solution involves modifying the application's SSL/TLS implementation to properly validate certificate chains, including checking certificate validity periods, subject alternative names, and certificate authority signatures. Security teams should also consider implementing certificate transparency monitoring and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases, while ensuring that all network communications within the application adhere to established security protocols and standards.