CVE-2014-5641 in Cloud Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Cloud Manager (aka com.ileaf.cloud_manager) application 1.6 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-2014-5641 affects the Cloud Manager application version 1.6 for Android devices, presenting 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 pathway for malicious actors to compromise the integrity of data transmission between the mobile application and remote servers. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture, specifically within its certificate validation mechanisms that are essential for establishing trust in secure communications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the scope of CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in security protocols. The application's inability to verify SSL certificates means that it accepts any certificate presented by a server without proper authentication, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers can intercept and manipulate communications. This weakness allows adversaries to present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application, enabling them to decrypt and potentially alter sensitive data being transmitted between the mobile device and backend services. The vulnerability specifically impacts the SSL/TLS implementation within the Android application, where certificate pinning or validation routines are either absent or improperly configured, creating an attack surface that aligns with tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential access and T1041 for data encryption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it fundamentally undermines the confidentiality and integrity guarantees that users expect from secure mobile applications. Attackers exploiting this flaw can gain access to sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, financial information, or proprietary business data that flows through the compromised application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for cloud-based services where users might be transmitting confidential information, as the application becomes a vector for unauthorized access to backend systems. Mobile device users are especially at risk since they often connect to public networks where such attacks are more prevalent, and the application's lack of certificate verification means that users cannot rely on the security assurances typically provided by SSL/TLS protocols. Organizations deploying such applications face potential regulatory compliance issues and reputational damage should their users' data be compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5641 require immediate implementation of proper certificate validation mechanisms within the Cloud Manager application. The most effective approach involves implementing robust certificate pinning techniques that ensure the application only accepts certificates from trusted Certificate Authorities or specific certificate fingerprints. Security patches should enforce strict X.509 certificate validation, including checking certificate chains, expiration dates, and proper signature verification. Organizations should also consider implementing certificate transparency measures and regularly updating their certificate validation libraries to address known vulnerabilities in SSL/TLS implementations. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous certificate behavior and potential man-in-the-middle attacks targeting the application. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing of the SSL/TLS implementation, including penetration testing and certificate validation checks, to ensure that the application properly validates server certificates before establishing secure connections. Regular security audits and code reviews should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future application versions, ensuring that certificate validation remains a priority in mobile application security design.