CVE-2014-5698 in Furdiburb
Summary
by MITRE
The Furdiburb (aka com.sheado.lite.pet) application 1.1.2 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 • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-5698 represents a critical security flaw in the Furdiburb Android application version 1.1.2, which operates under the package name com.sheado.lite.pet. This application fails to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS communications, creating a significant pathway for malicious actors to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks. The flaw stems from the application's improper implementation of certificate verification mechanisms, which are fundamental to establishing secure communications between mobile applications and remote servers. This weakness directly violates established security protocols and exposes users to potential data interception and manipulation.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests as a failure to perform certificate chain validation and hostname verification during SSL handshakes. When the application establishes secure connections to remote servers, it accepts any certificate presented without verifying its authenticity through trusted certificate authorities. This behavior aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation in security protocols. The absence of proper certificate checking means that attackers can generate malicious certificates that appear legitimate to the application, effectively bypassing the security assurances that SSL/TLS is designed to provide.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete session hijacking capabilities. Attackers positioned within network traffic paths can intercept communications between the vulnerable application and its servers, presenting forged certificates that the application accepts without question. This scenario enables adversaries to access sensitive user information, modify data in transit, and potentially gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability particularly affects applications that handle personal data, financial transactions, or authentication credentials, as the compromised communications can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and privacy violations.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant given the widespread use of SSL/TLS in mobile applications and the prevalence of man-in-the-middle attack vectors in public Wi-Fi networks and compromised networks. Security frameworks such as those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix would categorize this as a credential access technique, specifically leveraging network protocol manipulation to compromise application security. Organizations and developers should implement certificate pinning mechanisms, utilize proper certificate validation libraries, and ensure all SSL/TLS communications include robust certificate verification processes. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following security best practices in mobile application development and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes network protocol validation and certificate handling procedures.