CVE-2014-6706 in Embry-Riddle
Summary
by MITRE
The Embry-Riddle (aka com.dub.app.erau) application 1.4.04 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 • 09/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6706 affects the Embry-Riddle Android application version 1.4.04, 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 undermines the fundamental security guarantees of encrypted communications. The flaw specifically impacts the application's certificate verification process, which is a core component of the Transport Layer Security protocol implementation that should ensure the authenticity and integrity of network communications.
The technical implementation flaw manifests as a missing certificate validation mechanism within the application's SSL/TLS handshake process. When establishing secure connections to remote servers, the application fails to perform proper certificate chain validation, hostname verification, or trust anchor checking that are essential for maintaining secure communications. This omission allows attackers to present malicious certificates that would otherwise be rejected by proper certificate validation procedures, effectively bypassing the security measures designed to protect sensitive data transmission. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-295, which describes "Improper Certificate Validation" and represents a well-established class of security flaws that have been consistently exploited in various applications and systems over the years.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple network communication issues, as it creates an environment where sensitive information can be intercepted and manipulated by malicious actors. Attackers positioned within the network path between the Android application and its target servers can exploit this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, where they establish separate encrypted connections with both the client and server, effectively becoming transparent intermediaries in the communication. This allows them to capture, modify, or redirect sensitive data flowing through the application, potentially compromising user credentials, personal information, academic records, or institutional data that the Embry-Riddle application is designed to protect. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given the nature of educational applications that often handle confidential student information and institutional data.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1046 technique for Network Service Scanning and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to sensitive systems. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with the broader category of cryptographic weakness attacks that have been documented across numerous mobile applications and enterprise systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including certificate pinning mechanisms, regular security audits of mobile applications, and comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the application developers should implement proper SSL/TLS certificate validation procedures, including hostname verification and certificate chain validation, to ensure that only trusted certificates are accepted during secure communications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive educational and institutional data.