CVE-2014-5636 in Cloud Browser
Summary
by MITRE
The Cloud Browser (aka com.granitamalta.cloudbrowser) application 2.2.1 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 • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5636 resides within the Cloud Browser application version 2.2.1 for Android operating systems, representing a critical security flaw that fundamentally undermines the integrity of secure communications. This application, designed to facilitate web browsing within a cloud-based environment, fails to implement proper certificate verification mechanisms when establishing secure connections to remote servers. The absence of X.509 certificate validation creates a significant attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity.
This technical weakness directly stems from the application's failure to perform certificate chain validation and trust verification processes that are fundamental to secure SSL/TLS communications. The vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers can present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application, allowing them to intercept, modify, or steal sensitive data transmitted between users and web servers. The flaw operates at the core of the application's security architecture, specifically targeting the cryptographic handshake process that should establish trust between client and server components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, encompassing potential full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers exploiting this weakness can gain access to personal data, financial information, login credentials, and other confidential materials transmitted through the affected browser application. The vulnerability affects all users of the specific application version, creating widespread exposure across the user base and potentially enabling large-scale data breaches that could affect thousands of individuals and organizations.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and aligns with multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1041 for data encryption and T1566 for credential harvesting. The flaw represents a critical failure in the application's security controls and demonstrates poor implementation of secure communication protocols. Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the application, implementing network-level monitoring for suspicious certificate behavior, and establishing alternative secure browsing methods while the primary vulnerability is addressed through official updates and patches.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of robust certificate validation mechanisms in mobile applications and demonstrate how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks. This case underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing, including cryptographic validation procedures, before releasing mobile applications to production environments. The vulnerability also emphasizes the critical need for continuous security monitoring and rapid response capabilities to address such flaws in deployed applications, as the window of exposure for users can be extended indefinitely until proper patches are applied.