CVE-2014-5611 in eBay Kleinanzeigen for Germany
Summary
by MITRE
The eBay Kleinanzeigen for Germany (aka com.ebay.kleinanzeigen) application 5.0.2 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 • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5611 represents a critical security flaw in the eBay Kleinanzeigen mobile application for Android devices. This issue affects version 5.0.2 of the application and stems from improper implementation of SSL/TLS certificate validation mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting fraudulent certificates that the application accepts without proper verification. This weakness fundamentally undermines the security of communications between the mobile client and eBay's servers, creating a pathway for unauthorized data interception and manipulation.
The technical implementation error manifests in the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL handshakes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation in security protocols. The application essentially bypasses the certificate pinning mechanism that should ensure server authenticity, allowing attackers to establish fraudulent secure connections. When users interact with the application, their communications could be intercepted and modified by malicious actors who present crafted certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete compromise of user privacy and transaction security. Attackers can intercept sensitive user information including personal details, login credentials, and transaction data that flows through the application. This vulnerability particularly affects users in Germany who rely on the eBay Kleinanzeigen platform for buying and selling activities, potentially exposing them to financial fraud and identity theft. The risk is amplified because the application handles financial transactions and personal data exchanges, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1041, which involves data from network connections, and T1566, which covers credential access through spearphishing. The flaw enables attackers to establish persistent surveillance of user activities and potentially manipulate transactions. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient certificate validation, a common weakness in mobile applications that often stems from developers prioritizing user experience over security implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing including dynamic analysis and certificate pinning validation to prevent similar issues in future releases.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust certificate validation mechanisms, including proper certificate pinning implementation and regular security audits of mobile applications. The application should enforce strict certificate chain validation and reject any certificates that do not meet established security criteria. Additionally, developers should adopt industry best practices for mobile security, including regular penetration testing and security code reviews. Users should be advised to keep their applications updated and avoid using untrusted networks when accessing sensitive services. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks and establish incident response procedures for security breaches involving mobile applications.