CVE-2014-5982 in RunKeeper - GPS Track Run Walk
Summary
by MITRE
The RunKeeper - GPS Track Run Walk (aka com.fitnesskeeper.runkeeper.pro) application 4.7 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 described in CVE-2014-5982 represents a critical security flaw in the RunKeeper mobile application for android systems. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS communications, creating a significant attack surface that exposes users to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects version 4.7 of the application, which was distributed through the google play store and other mobile application markets. The flaw allows malicious actors to intercept communications between the mobile application and its backend servers by presenting forged SSL certificates that appear legitimate to the application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation in secure communications. The application's implementation fails to perform proper certificate chain validation, certificate fingerprint verification, or hostname checking that are essential components of secure SSL/TLS connections. This weakness enables attackers to establish fraudulent SSL connections with the application, effectively breaking the encryption layer that should protect sensitive user data including personal fitness information, location data, and potentially authentication credentials. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer security level, where the application should be enforcing certificate pinning or at minimum proper certificate validation procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as the compromised application can be exploited to conduct various malicious activities. Attackers can not only steal sensitive user information but also manipulate fitness data, potentially affecting the integrity of user's workout records and progress tracking. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the application is installed and running on the device. Given that the application collects GPS tracking data and personal health information, the stolen data could be used for identity theft, targeted advertising, or even physical security threats based on location patterns. The vulnerability also undermines user trust in the application's security mechanisms and could result in regulatory compliance issues for the application developer.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate certificate pinning implementation, where the application validates against specific certificate fingerprints rather than accepting any valid certificate from a trusted authority. The application should also implement proper hostname validation and certificate chain verification procedures that comply with industry standards such as those outlined in the tls protocol specifications. Network security controls including ssl inspection and monitoring for unusual certificate behavior can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, the application should be updated to enforce secure communication protocols that include proper certificate validation as part of the security architecture. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper implementation of cryptographic security measures in mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive personal data. The issue also highlights the need for regular security audits and penetration testing of mobile applications to identify and remediate similar certificate validation flaws that could compromise user privacy and data integrity. Organizations should consider implementing automated security testing as part of their development lifecycle to prevent such vulnerabilities from reaching production environments.