CVE-2014-5616 in Web Browser! Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Browser & Explorer (aka com.explore.web.browser) application 2.0.7 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 • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5616 resides within the Web Browser & Explorer application version 2.0.7 for Android operating systems, representing a critical security flaw in the certificate validation mechanism. This application fails to properly implement X.509 certificate verification during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack surface that compromises the integrity of secure communications. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of certificate-based authentication that are essential for establishing trust in network communications.
This technical deficiency constitutes a severe implementation flaw that aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation." The application's failure to validate SSL certificates means that it accepts any certificate presented by a server without proper verification of its authenticity, issuer, or validity period. Attackers can exploit this weakness by presenting maliciously crafted certificates that appear to be from legitimate websites, thereby enabling them to intercept and manipulate encrypted communications between users and target servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it enables sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise sensitive user data including login credentials, personal information, financial transactions, and confidential communications. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1041, this vulnerability facilitates network traffic interception and modification, while T1552.001 covers the compromise of credentials through network monitoring. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected Android application, creating a widespread risk that extends beyond individual devices to potentially compromise entire user sessions and data exchanges.
Security researchers have documented similar vulnerabilities in mobile browser applications where certificate validation is bypassed, often leading to data breaches and credential theft. The Android platform's security model relies heavily on proper certificate validation to maintain the security of network communications, and this failure creates a direct pathway for attackers to undermine the security of the entire application ecosystem. Organizations using this application face potential regulatory compliance issues under standards such as PCI DSS, which mandates proper certificate validation for secure transactions.
The recommended mitigations include immediate application updates that implement proper X.509 certificate validation, including verification of certificate chains, expiration dates, and trusted certificate authorities. System administrators should also implement network-level monitoring to detect suspicious certificate behaviors and consider deploying additional security controls such as certificate pinning to prevent the acceptance of unauthorized certificates. Users should be educated about the risks of using vulnerable applications and encouraged to update to versions that properly implement certificate validation mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications and the need for comprehensive security testing during application development cycles.