CVE-2014-6821 in voetbal
Summary
by MITRE
The voetbal (aka nl.jborsje.android.voetbal.az) application 4.7.2 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 • 09/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6821 affects the voetbal application version 4.7.2 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 surface that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process, which is fundamental to establishing trust in secure communications between mobile applications and remote servers. When an application fails to verify SSL certificates, it essentially removes the cryptographic assurance that data transmitted between the client and server remains confidential and authentic.
The technical implementation flaw in this Android application demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration where the developers omitted or bypassed the standard certificate validation procedures that are essential for maintaining secure network communications. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a failure to implement proper SSL/TLS security controls. The application's insecure handling of certificate verification creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector that allows adversaries to intercept and manipulate communications between the mobile application and backend servers. Attackers can exploit this weakness by presenting a crafted certificate that appears legitimate to the vulnerable application, thereby enabling them to establish fraudulent connections and potentially access sensitive user data, authentication credentials, or proprietary information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that users expect from mobile applications. Mobile users who interact with the affected application may unknowingly transmit personal information, account credentials, or other sensitive data through connections that are not properly secured. This vulnerability particularly affects applications that handle user authentication, personal information, financial data, or any form of sensitive communication where trust and integrity are paramount. The attack surface is broadened because the vulnerability affects not just the specific application but also any data transmitted through its secure communication channels, potentially exposing users to identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities that can have long-term consequences.
Organizations and developers should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with immediate code remediation to properly implement certificate verification procedures. The solution involves ensuring that all SSL/TLS connections perform proper certificate chain validation, including checking certificate expiration dates, verifying certificate authorities, and implementing certificate pinning where appropriate. Security professionals should reference ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and defense evasion, as this vulnerability can enable attackers to establish persistent access to user accounts and data. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following established security best practices and adhering to mobile application security guidelines that mandate proper implementation of cryptographic protocols.