CVE-2014-5659 in ASTRO File Manager with Cloud
Summary
by MITRE
The ASTRO File Manager with Cloud (aka com.metago.astro) application ASTRO-4.4.592 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-2014-5659 affects the ASTRO File Manager with Cloud application version 4.4.592 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 surface that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's network security implementation, where it accepts any certificate presented by a server without performing the necessary verification steps that are standard in secure communication protocols.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's cryptographic implementation where it bypasses certificate validation routines that should be mandatory for establishing secure connections. This behavior aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in security protocols, and represents a direct violation of secure communication standards. The absence of certificate pinning or proper certificate chain validation means that the application cannot distinguish between legitimate servers and malicious imposters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by presenting a crafted certificate that appears to be from a trusted server, thereby enabling man-in-the-middle attacks that can intercept and potentially modify communications between the mobile device and remote servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it allows attackers to establish fraudulent connections that can be used to exfiltrate sensitive user information, manipulate file operations, or gain unauthorized access to cloud storage services. Mobile applications that rely on secure connections for authentication and data transfer become particularly vulnerable when they fail to implement proper certificate validation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely without requiring physical access to the device, and the vulnerability affects all users of the specific application version regardless of their security awareness or device configuration. This flaw directly violates the principles outlined in the mobile security framework where applications must implement proper cryptographic security measures to protect user data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper certificate validation mechanisms including certificate pinning, certificate chain validation, and regular security updates to address the flaw. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks and ensure that all applications handling sensitive data maintain robust cryptographic security practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following established security standards and best practices for mobile application development, particularly when handling sensitive user data and establishing secure communications with remote servers. This issue underscores the necessity for regular security assessments and the implementation of proper cryptographic controls in mobile applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.