CVE-2014-5658 in MercadoLibre
Summary
by MITRE
The MercadoLibre (aka com.mercadolibre) application 3.8.7 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 • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5658 affects the MercadoLibre mobile application version 3.8.7 for Android devices, representing a critical security flaw in the application's cryptographic implementation. This weakness stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process, which is fundamental to establishing secure communication channels between mobile applications and remote servers.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's improper handling of SSL certificate validation mechanisms, where the Android application fails to perform essential certificate chain validation checks. This includes the absence of certificate pinning, certificate authority verification, and proper hostname validation that should occur during secure socket layer connections. The vulnerability allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged certificates that appear legitimate to the application, enabling them to intercept, modify, or steal sensitive user data transmitted through the application. This behavior directly violates established security protocols and compromises the confidentiality and integrity of communications between users and the MercadoLibre servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to manipulate transactions, access user accounts, and potentially conduct financial fraud. Mobile users conducting sensitive activities such as login authentication, payment processing, or personal data management become vulnerable to sophisticated attack vectors that can bypass standard security measures. The vulnerability affects not only individual user privacy but also the overall trust in the application's security infrastructure, potentially leading to widespread reputational damage and regulatory compliance issues for the organization. Attackers can exploit this weakness to establish persistent surveillance capabilities, monitor user activities, and execute advanced persistent threats against the application's user base.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate certificate validation enforcement, implementation of certificate pinning mechanisms, and regular security audits of mobile application components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1041, which covers data encryption for exfiltration. Security measures should include mandatory certificate chain validation, hostname verification, and implementation of secure communication protocols that enforce proper SSL/TLS certificate handling. Additionally, regular security assessments, penetration testing, and mobile application security reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the application.