CVE-2014-5716 in GUNSHIP BATTLE : Helicopter 3D
Summary
by MITRE
The GUNSHIP BATTLE : Helicopter 3D (aka com.theonegames.gunshipbattle) application 1.1.7 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 • 08/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5716 represents a critical security flaw in the Android application Gunship Battle: Helicopter 3D version 1.1.7 developed by TheOne Games. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS communications, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's secure communication protocols, which are essential for protecting sensitive user information and maintaining the confidentiality of data transmitted between the mobile device and remote servers.
The technical flaw manifests as a missing certificate verification mechanism within the application's SSL implementation, placing the application squarely within CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation. This weakness allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged SSL certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application. The absence of proper certificate chain validation, hostname verification, and trust anchor checking means that the application accepts any certificate presented by a server, regardless of its authenticity or legitimacy. This fundamental failure in cryptographic security implementation creates an environment where attackers can intercept, modify, or steal sensitive information transmitted through the application's network connections.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to substantial risks including data theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to personal information. Mobile applications that fail to properly validate SSL certificates become particularly vulnerable when users engage in activities requiring secure communications such as account authentication, payment processing, or data synchronization. The impact extends beyond individual user privacy concerns to potentially enable broader attack vectors including credential theft, financial fraud, and corporate data breaches. The vulnerability is especially concerning in the mobile gaming context where applications often collect personal user data, location information, and potentially financial transaction details.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which involves network service scanning and can be extended to include man-in-the-middle attacks targeting mobile applications. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where mobile applications fail to implement proper cryptographic security measures. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering attacks that can be facilitated through compromised network communications. Organizations and developers should implement comprehensive security testing protocols including certificate pinning, proper SSL/TLS configuration, and regular security audits to prevent similar issues in mobile applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5716 should include immediate implementation of proper certificate validation mechanisms, including certificate pinning to prevent acceptance of unauthorized certificates. Developers should ensure that all SSL/TLS connections implement full certificate chain validation, hostname verification, and use trusted certificate authorities. The application should be updated to verify certificate signatures, expiration dates, and revocation status through proper certificate validation libraries. Additionally, implementing network security monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to ensure that cryptographic implementations meet industry standards and best practices. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for vulnerable applications on corporate devices.