CVE-2014-5688 in Pedometer
Summary
by MITRE
The Runtastic Pedometer (aka com.runtastic.android.pedometer.lite) application 1.5 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.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5688 represents a critical security flaw in the Runtastic Pedometer Android application version 1.5, specifically addressing improper implementation of SSL/TLS certificate validation mechanisms. This weakness falls under the broader category of cryptographic failures and directly impacts the application's ability to establish secure communications with remote servers. The flaw enables attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged SSL certificates that the application accepts without proper verification, creating a significant risk for user data confidentiality and integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL handshakes. This represents a classic example of weak certificate validation, where the application accepts any certificate presented by a server without performing the necessary checks against trusted certificate authorities or verifying certificate chains. The absence of certificate pinning or proper certificate verification routines allows attackers to intercept communications and present malicious certificates that appear legitimate to the application. This issue directly correlates to CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and demonstrates how the lack of proper SSL/TLS implementation can compromise secure communications. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer security level, where the application should enforce certificate validation according to established security protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables attackers to obtain sensitive user information through manipulated communications. Mobile applications that fail to validate SSL certificates create opportunities for attackers to access user data, personal information, location data, and potentially authentication credentials that may be transmitted over the compromised connection. The Runtastic Pedometer application, being a fitness tracking tool, likely collects personal health data, location information, and user preferences that could be valuable to adversaries. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile applications that handle sensitive user data and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can have significant consequences for user privacy and security. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal sophistication from attackers and can be exploited in public Wi-Fi networks or through compromised network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the core issue of certificate validation implementation within the application. The most effective approach involves implementing proper certificate verification procedures that include checking certificate chains against trusted certificate authorities, validating certificate expiration dates, and ensuring certificate subject names match the target server. Security practitioners should implement certificate pinning mechanisms to prevent the acceptance of unauthorized certificates, while also ensuring that applications maintain up-to-date trust stores and follow established security protocols for SSL/TLS implementation. Organizations should consider implementing network-level protections such as DNS security extensions and monitoring for suspicious certificate usage patterns. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of security testing during development cycles and adherence to secure coding practices, particularly regarding cryptographic implementations. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to ensure all SSL/TLS connections properly validate certificates and that appropriate security measures are implemented to prevent similar issues in future releases. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which covers network service scanning and the exploitation of weak cryptographic implementations.