CVE-2014-5719 in BIKE RACING 2014
Summary
by MITRE
The BIKE RACING 2014 (aka com.timuzsolutions.bikeracing2014) application 1.6 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-2014-5719 affects the BIKE RACING 2014 Android application version 1.6, representing a critical security flaw in the application's cryptographic implementation. This issue manifests as a failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS communications, creating an exploitable weakness that undermines the fundamental security assurances provided by secure communication protocols. The application's inability to verify server certificates means it cannot distinguish between legitimate secure servers and malicious imposters, fundamentally compromising the integrity of data transmission between the mobile device and remote servers.
This technical flaw directly relates to CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in security protocols. The vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can present fraudulent certificates to establish fake secure connections with the application. When the application accepts these invalid certificates without proper verification, it creates a pathway for attackers to intercept, modify, or steal sensitive information transmitted through the application's network communications. The specific nature of this flaw means that all data sent to or received from servers using SSL/TLS encryption becomes potentially accessible to malicious actors who can exploit this weakness to establish unauthorized communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete compromise of the application's secure communication framework. Mobile users interacting with the BIKE RACING 2014 application may unknowingly transmit personal information, login credentials, or other sensitive data through insecure channels that appear legitimate to the application. This vulnerability affects the core security model of the application, potentially exposing users to identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that mobile applications often handle sensitive personal data and may be used in contexts where users expect robust security protections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5719 must focus on implementing proper certificate validation mechanisms within the application's SSL/TLS handling code. The recommended approach involves enforcing strict certificate chain validation, implementing certificate pinning where appropriate, and ensuring that all SSL/TLS connections undergo thorough verification of X.509 certificates against trusted certificate authorities. Organizations should also consider implementing certificate transparency measures and regularly updating their cryptographic libraries to address known vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and defense evasion, as attackers can leverage the insecure certificate validation to maintain persistent access to user data while avoiding detection through normal security monitoring procedures.