CVE-2014-5953 in KASKUS
Summary
by MITRE
The KASKUS (aka com.kaskus.android) application 2.13.0 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 • 09/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5953 affects the KASKUS Android application version 2.13.0, representing a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communication protocols. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process, which is fundamental to establishing trust in secure communications between mobile applications and remote servers.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's absence of proper certificate pinning or validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application. This weakness directly violates established security protocols and standards, as the application fails to implement the necessary cryptographic verification steps that should occur during SSL handshakes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," indicating that the application does not adequately validate the authenticity and trustworthiness of SSL certificates presented by remote servers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to significant risks including data interception, credential theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can exploit this weakness in unsecured network environments such as public Wi-Fi hotspots, where they can intercept communications between the vulnerable application and its servers. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as compromised communications can lead to account takeovers, financial fraud, and the potential compromise of user identities within the KASKUS platform ecosystem.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which involves the use of man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept and manipulate network traffic. Security professionals should recognize this as a critical issue requiring immediate attention, particularly in environments where mobile applications handle sensitive user data or financial transactions. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it a prime target for threat actors seeking to compromise mobile application security and access user information stored within the KASKUS platform.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including certificate pinning mechanisms, proper SSL certificate validation, and regular security assessments of mobile applications. The recommended approach involves updating the application to properly implement certificate verification procedures, potentially through the use of certificate transparency, and ensuring that all network communications utilize secure protocols with proper certificate validation. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous certificate behavior and establishing secure coding practices that enforce proper SSL/TLS implementation can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases and maintain user trust in the application's security posture.