CVE-2014-6715 in SlotMachine
Summary
by MITRE
The SlotMachine (aka com.popoinnovation.SlotMachine) application 1.03 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.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6715 affects the SlotMachine Android application version 1.03, specifically targeting its implementation of secure communication protocols. This weakness resides in the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a critical security gap that enables malicious actors to perform man-in-the-middle attacks against unsuspecting users. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's cryptographic security infrastructure, as it fails to establish the trust relationship necessary for secure data transmission between the mobile client and remote servers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper certificate validation mechanisms within the application's network communication stack. When the SlotMachine application establishes SSL connections to its backend services, it does not perform the essential step of verifying the server's X.509 certificate against trusted certificate authorities. This omission allows attackers to generate and present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application, enabling them to intercept, modify, or steal sensitive data transmitted between the mobile device and the server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a critical failure in the application's secure communication implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the application's functionality and user experience. Users interacting with the SlotMachine application may unknowingly transmit personal information, payment details, or other sensitive data through compromised communication channels. The man-in-the-middle attack vector allows adversaries to not only eavesdrop on communications but also to inject malicious content, redirect users to fraudulent websites, or alter application responses in ways that could compromise user accounts or financial transactions. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assurances that users expect from mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper SSL certificate validation mechanisms within the application's network layer. Developers must ensure that all SSL connections verify certificate chains against trusted root certificates, implement certificate pinning where appropriate, and establish robust validation procedures that align with industry best practices. The solution should incorporate proper certificate verification libraries and frameworks that automatically handle certificate chain validation, expiration checks, and revocation status verification. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as certificate transparency monitoring and regular security audits of their mobile applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases. This remediation effort aligns with ATT&CK technique T1573.002, which focuses on securing communications channels through proper certificate validation and cryptographic implementation.