CVE-2014-6019 in psychology
Summary
by MITRE
The psychology (aka com.alek.psychology) application 1.0.2 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 • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6019 affects the psychology application version 1.0.2 for Android devices, 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 vector that compromises the integrity of data transmission between the mobile application and remote servers. The vulnerability directly impacts the application's ability to establish trust with legitimate servers while simultaneously enabling malicious actors to exploit the communication channel.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's SSL certificate validation process where it fails to perform proper certificate chain validation and verification procedures. This weakness allows attackers to present forged certificates that appear legitimate to the application, effectively bypassing the security mechanisms designed to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification phase of SSL/TLS handshakes, where the application should validate certificate authorities, expiration dates, and certificate signatures but instead accepts any certificate presented without proper scrutiny. This flaw aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a fundamental failure in the application's cryptographic implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables comprehensive surveillance and data manipulation capabilities for attackers. Adversaries can exploit this weakness to eavesdrop on communications, inject malicious content, or redirect users to fraudulent websites while maintaining the appearance of legitimate service. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected application version, creating a widespread security risk across the user base. Mobile security frameworks such as the Android Security Model are specifically designed to prevent such scenarios, but this implementation flaw undermines the foundational trust mechanisms that protect user data in transit.
Organizations and security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1046 technique for network service scanning and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. The vulnerability creates an ideal environment for attackers to establish persistent access points and conduct long-term surveillance operations. Mitigation strategies should include immediate application updates to implement proper certificate validation, deployment of network monitoring tools to detect suspicious certificate exchanges, and user education regarding the importance of verifying application authenticity. Security teams should also consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms and regular security audits to prevent similar implementation flaws in future mobile applications.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications, particularly in applications that handle sensitive user data. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation oversights can create significant security risks that compromise user privacy and data integrity. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive security testing during the development lifecycle and the importance of adhering to established security standards such as those defined by NIST and OWASP. Mobile application developers must prioritize secure coding practices and implement robust certificate validation mechanisms to protect against similar attacks in the future.