CVE-2014-6770 in Aerospace Jobs
Summary
by MITRE
The Aerospace Jobs (aka com.app_aerospacejobs.layout) application 1.399 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 • 09/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6770 affects the Aerospace Jobs Android application version 1.399, presenting a critical security flaw in the application's handling of secure communications. This weakness stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute successful man-in-the-middle attacks against users of the application.
The technical flaw resides in the application's cryptographic implementation where it bypasses standard certificate verification procedures that should validate the authenticity of SSL servers. When an Android application establishes a secure connection to a remote server, it typically performs certificate chain validation to ensure the server's identity is legitimate and that the communication channel is protected from eavesdropping. The Aerospace Jobs application fails to perform this essential verification step, allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application.
This vulnerability directly enables man-in-the-middle attack scenarios where adversaries can intercept and modify communications between the application and its intended servers. Attackers can create malicious certificates that match the expected server identity, allowing them to decrypt and potentially alter sensitive data transmitted through the application. The implications extend beyond simple data interception, as the application may be transmitting personal information, job applications, or other confidential data that could be compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users of the Aerospace Jobs application, as it exposes them to potential data breaches and identity theft. Any information submitted through the application's secure channels becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access, potentially including personal identifiers, contact information, and professional details. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the application targets job seekers in the aerospace industry, who may be transmitting sensitive career-related information.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in secure communications. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1041 for Exfiltration Over Command and Control Channel and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to user accounts and extract valuable information. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture that violates core principles of secure communication implementation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper certificate pinning mechanisms within the application, ensuring that only pre-approved certificates are accepted for validation. Developers should implement certificate chain validation that checks certificate authorities, expiration dates, and certificate signatures against trusted root certificates. Additionally, the application should employ certificate pinning to prevent the acceptance of unauthorized certificates, even if they are technically valid. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to ensure that cryptographic implementations meet industry standards and that no similar vulnerabilities exist in other application components.
The incident underscores the critical importance of proper SSL/TLS implementation in mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data. Organizations should establish robust security development lifecycle practices that mandate cryptographic best practices and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in future application releases. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that mobile application security requires comprehensive attention to all aspects of secure communication, including proper certificate validation and authentication mechanisms.