CVE-2014-5690 in Timer
Summary
by MITRE
The Runtastic Timer (aka com.runtastic.android.timer) application 1.0.1 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 • 08/28/2024
The CVE-2014-5690 vulnerability affects the Runtastic Timer application version 1.0.1 for Android devices, representing a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communications. This vulnerability 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 flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's cryptographic security implementation, where proper certificate verification mechanisms are either absent or improperly configured.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and represents a classic man-in-the-middle attack vector. When the application establishes SSL connections to remote servers, it fails to perform the essential certificate validation steps that should confirm the server's identity and ensure the authenticity of the cryptographic keys presented. This omission allows attackers to intercept communications and present forged certificates that the application will accept without proper scrutiny. The vulnerability essentially disables the security layer that SSL/TLS protocols are designed to provide, leaving users exposed to potential data theft, session hijacking, and other malicious activities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for users of the Runtastic Timer application, particularly those who may be transmitting sensitive personal information or fitness data through the app's network communications. Attackers positioned within the network path between the user's device and the application servers can exploit this weakness to impersonate legitimate services and capture transmitted data. The impact extends beyond simple data interception to potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, session manipulation, and unauthorized access to user accounts. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile environments where users may connect through untrusted networks, increasing the attack surface and likelihood of exploitation.
The security implications of CVE-2014-5690 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1041, which covers Exfiltration Over C2 Channel, and T1566, which addresses Phishing with Social Engineering. The vulnerability provides attackers with a direct pathway to establish persistent access to user data and communications, potentially enabling long-term surveillance and data collection activities. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security posture assessment, particularly when evaluating mobile application security and the implementation of secure communication protocols. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper certificate validation in mobile applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes network communication verification.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper certificate pinning mechanisms, ensuring that the application validates certificates against trusted certificate authorities, and potentially implementing certificate revocation checking. Developers should also consider implementing certificate transparency measures and regular security audits of network communication components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the essential security requirements outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-52 and ISO/IEC 27001, which emphasize the need for proper cryptographic implementation and secure communication protocols in mobile applications. Users should avoid using the vulnerable application until proper security patches are implemented and should consider alternative fitness tracking applications that demonstrate proper cryptographic security practices.