CVE-2014-5617 in Exsoul Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
The Exsoul Web Browser (aka com.exsoul) application 3.3.3 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-2014-5617 affects the Exsoul Web Browser application version 3.3.3 for Android devices, representing a critical security flaw in the application's handling of secure communications. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack vector that undermines the fundamental security assurances provided by secure web browsing. The flaw essentially disables the certificate verification mechanism that is essential for establishing trust between the client and server in encrypted communications.
This technical deficiency places the application at risk of man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can intercept communications between the user's device and web servers. The vulnerability allows attackers to present forged certificates that appear legitimate to the application, enabling them to decrypt and potentially modify data transmitted between the browser and target servers. The absence of proper certificate validation creates a trust boundary breach that can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information including login credentials, personal data, financial information, and other confidential communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of all web communications through the affected browser. Users conducting sensitive activities such as online banking, e-commerce transactions, or accessing corporate networks through the vulnerable application face substantial risk of credential theft and data interception. The vulnerability affects all users of the specific application version regardless of their technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core of secure web browsing functionality.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in secure communications, and represents a clear violation of the principle of certificate chain validation that is fundamental to PKI systems. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1041, which describes data compression and encryption techniques used to exfiltrate data, as attackers can leverage the compromised trust relationship to establish persistent data collection channels. Organizations using this application in enterprise environments face heightened risk of data breaches and compliance violations, particularly in regulated industries where secure communications are mandatory.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate application updates from the vendor to address the certificate verification flaw, though users may need to implement additional security measures such as network monitoring and intrusion detection systems. Security professionals should consider implementing network-level protections including SSL inspection capabilities and certificate pinning mechanisms to provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security implementation in mobile applications and underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing including certificate validation procedures before application deployment. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful attacks exploiting this vulnerability.