CVE-2014-5997 in Auto Trader
Summary
by MITRE
The Auto Trader (aka za.co.autotrader.android.app) application 2 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 • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5997 affects the Auto Trader Android application version 2, presenting a critical security flaw in the application's SSL/TLS certificate verification process. This weakness stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates presented by SSL servers during secure communications. The implementation violates fundamental security principles that require robust certificate validation to establish trust in cryptographic communications. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's inability to verify the authenticity and integrity of server certificates, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the trust relationship between the client and server.
This flaw represents a classic implementation of CWE-295, which focuses on improper certificate validation in secure communications. The vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle attacks by allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that the application accepts without proper verification. The attack vector involves an attacker positioned between the Android application and the legitimate server, capable of intercepting and modifying communications. The application's trust model is fundamentally compromised because it does not perform certificate chain validation, hostname verification, or signature validation that are essential components of secure SSL/TLS implementation. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, which describes data manipulation through man-in-the-middle attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a complete breakdown in the security model that protects sensitive user data. Mobile applications that rely on secure communications for transactions, user authentication, or personal data handling become vulnerable to attacks that can result in identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized access to private information. The vulnerability affects not only the Auto Trader application but also demonstrates a pattern of insecure coding practices that could be present in other applications within the same development framework or similar mobile platforms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the application handles sensitive user information including personal details, vehicle listings, and potentially financial data related to automotive transactions.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations that include immediate code review and patching of the certificate validation logic, ensuring that all X.509 certificates undergo proper chain of trust validation. The recommended approach involves implementing robust certificate pinning mechanisms, enforcing hostname verification, and establishing proper certificate revocation checking. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle activity and establish incident response procedures for compromised applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and TLS protocol implementation. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability in relation to mobile application security frameworks and ensure that all applications undergo rigorous security testing including penetration testing and secure code reviews to identify similar certificate validation weaknesses.