CVE-2014-5891 in Coupon App
Summary
by MITRE
The SnipSnap Coupon App (aka com.snipsnap.snipsnapapp) application 1.1.11 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 • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5891 affects the SnipSnap Coupon App version 1.1.11 for Android devices, representing a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communication protocols. This weakness stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack vector that undermines the fundamental security guarantees of encrypted communication. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process that should occur when establishing secure connections between the mobile application and remote servers, leaving users exposed to sophisticated cyber threats that exploit this implementation gap.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of certificate pinning or validation mechanisms within the application's network security configuration. When the SnipSnap Coupon App establishes connections to its backend servers, it does not perform the necessary cryptographic verification steps that would normally confirm the authenticity of the server's identity certificate. This absence allows attackers to intercept communications through man-in-the-middle attacks, where malicious actors can present fraudulent certificates that the application accepts without proper scrutiny. The vulnerability directly violates established security protocols and represents a failure in the application's security architecture, as outlined in CWE-295 which specifically addresses improper certificate validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables attackers to gain access to sensitive user information that flows through the compromised application. Mobile applications that rely on secure communication channels for user authentication, transaction processing, or personal data handling become particularly vulnerable when they fail to implement proper certificate verification. In the context of a coupon application, this could expose user account credentials, personal information, financial transaction details, and other sensitive data that users expect to remain protected during transmission. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk that can be exploited repeatedly, making it a significant concern for both individual users and the organization operating the application.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1046 technique for network service scanning and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. The lack of certificate validation creates an environment where attackers can establish trusted communication channels with malicious servers, potentially enabling further exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including certificate pinning, proper SSL/TLS configuration, and comprehensive security testing of mobile applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following industry standards such as those defined by NIST SP 800-52 for certificate management and the OWASP Mobile Security Project guidelines for secure mobile application development. Remediation efforts must include thorough code review, implementation of proper certificate validation mechanisms, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future application versions.