CVE-2014-5911 in Free App Icons
Summary
by MITRE
The Free App Icons & Icon Packs (aka com.jellytap.cooliconfinder) application 1.4 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 • 09/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5911 affects the Free App Icons & Icon Packs Android application version 1.4, specifically targeting the application's SSL certificate verification mechanisms. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental security assurances provided by Transport Layer Security protocols. The application fails to properly validate X.509 certificates presented by SSL servers during communication, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the trust relationship between the mobile application and remote servers.
This technical flaw directly relates to the absence of certificate pinning and proper certificate validation procedures within the application's network communication stack. When an Android application fails to verify SSL certificates, it essentially removes the cryptographic protection that ensures data integrity and server authenticity. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper certificate chain validation, hostname verification, or certificate fingerprint checking mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness by presenting maliciously crafted certificates to establish fraudulent connections with the application, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to protect user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a comprehensive attack surface for man-in-the-middle operations. An attacker positioned between the vulnerable application and its intended server can seamlessly impersonate legitimate services, potentially gaining access to sensitive user information, session tokens, or personal data transmitted through the insecure connection. This weakness particularly affects applications that handle user credentials, personal information, or any form of sensitive data exchange, making the vulnerability especially dangerous in contexts where privacy and data protection are paramount. The implications are further exacerbated by the fact that this vulnerability exists in a mobile application that likely operates in various network environments including public Wi-Fi networks where such attacks are more prevalent.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Mobile Top 10. The attack vector described in the vulnerability corresponds to techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1041, which covers data from local system. The absence of certificate validation creates an environment where attackers can establish persistent connections with the application and potentially maintain access over extended periods. Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper certificate pinning mechanisms, utilizing certificate validation libraries, and ensuring that all network communications employ robust certificate verification procedures. Additionally, developers should consider implementing certificate transparency checks and regularly updating their security libraries to address known vulnerabilities in SSL/TLS implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure communication practices in mobile application development and underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.