CVE-2014-5741 in Security - Complete
Summary
by MITRE
The Security - Complete (aka com.webroot.security.complete) application 3.6.0.6610 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-2014-5741 affects the Security Complete Android application version 3.6.0.6610, representing a critical flaw in the application's cryptographic security implementation. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant security weakness that undermines the fundamental principles of secure communication. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process that should occur when establishing encrypted connections between the mobile application and remote servers, allowing malicious actors to exploit this gap in security controls.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of certificate chain validation and trust verification within the application's SSL implementation. When the Security Complete application establishes secure connections to web services or servers, it fails to perform the essential X.509 certificate validation steps that include checking certificate signatures, verifying certificate authorities, examining certificate expiration dates, and ensuring proper certificate chaining. This absence of verification creates a pathway for attackers to present fraudulent certificates that the application will accept as legitimate, effectively bypassing the intended security protections of SSL/TLS encryption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise sensitive user information and system integrity. Attackers can exploit this weakness to impersonate legitimate servers and establish fraudulent communication channels, potentially capturing user credentials, personal data, financial information, and other confidential material transmitted through the application. The vulnerability particularly affects users of the Security Complete application who rely on it for protection, as the application itself becomes a vector for attack rather than a protective mechanism. This creates a paradoxical situation where security software becomes a security risk, undermining user trust and potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized parties.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and represents a classic example of inadequate SSL/TLS implementation in mobile applications. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001, "Phishing via Service Provider", as attackers can leverage this weakness to create convincing fraudulent communication channels that appear legitimate to users. The security implications extend to potential credential theft, data exfiltration, and service disruption, as the application's security posture becomes compromised. Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the application, implementing network monitoring for suspicious SSL connections, and potentially deploying additional security controls to detect and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile security applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all cryptographic functions within mobile platforms.