CVE-2014-5655 in Cm Browser - Fast! Secure
Summary
by MITRE
The CM Browser - Fast & Secure (aka com.ksmobile.cb) application 5.0.50 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-2014-5655 affects the CM Browser application version 5.0.50 for Android operating systems, representing a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communication protocols. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant security risk that directly impacts user data protection and privacy. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification mechanism that should normally ensure the authenticity and integrity of secure connections between mobile clients and web servers.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of certificate validation within the application's SSL implementation, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness through man-in-the-middle attacks. When the CM Browser establishes secure connections to web services, it fails to perform the essential step of verifying that the server's X.509 certificate is valid, properly signed by a trusted certificate authority, and matches the expected hostname. This omission creates a pathway for attackers to present fraudulent certificates that the application will accept without question, effectively breaking the SSL/TLS security model that is fundamental to secure internet communication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables attackers to establish false trust relationships with users while they browse the internet. Mobile users who rely on the CM Browser for web navigation become vulnerable to various attack vectors including credential theft, session hijacking, and sensitive data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users access sensitive information such as banking applications, email services, or corporate networks, as attackers can exploit this weakness to capture login credentials, personal information, and other confidential data. This flaw essentially undermines the entire purpose of implementing SSL/TLS encryption for secure communications.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and represents a failure in the secure communication implementation that violates fundamental security principles. The attack surface created by this vulnerability can be mapped to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1041 for Exfiltration Over C2 Channel and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage this weakness to create convincing fraudulent web pages that appear legitimate to users. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to newer versions of the application that properly implement certificate validation, deploying network monitoring tools to detect anomalous SSL traffic patterns, and educating users about the risks of accessing sensitive services through potentially compromised applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review processes that should identify such critical flaws before application deployment to production environments.