CVE-2014-6842 in Daily Advertiser Print
Summary
by MITRE
The Daily Advertiser Print (aka com.lafayettedailyadv.android.prod) application 6.7 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 • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-6842 represents a critical security flaw in the Daily Advertiser Print Android application version 6.7, specifically addressing improper SSL certificate validation mechanisms. This weakness falls under the broader category of insufficient certificate verification, which is classified as CWE-295 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates from SSL servers creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the application establishes secure communications with remote servers using SSL/TLS protocols. Instead of performing proper certificate chain validation, the application accepts any certificate presented by the server without verifying its authenticity through trusted certificate authorities. This vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of SSL/TLS connections, where certificate verification is either completely bypassed or inadequately implemented. Attackers can leverage this weakness by presenting a maliciously crafted certificate that appears to be from a legitimate server, thereby deceiving the application into establishing a secure connection with the attacker's system rather than the intended server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to intercept, modify, or steal sensitive data transmitted between the mobile application and its backend servers. This includes but is not limited to user credentials, personal information, financial data, and other confidential communications. The vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1041 technique for Exfiltration Over C2 Channel, where attackers establish unauthorized communication channels. Additionally, this flaw supports the T1566 technique for Phishing, as attackers can craft convincing certificates to deceive users and applications into believing they are communicating with legitimate services.
The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as this vulnerability can facilitate broader attack chains including credential theft, session hijacking, and data manipulation. Mobile applications that fail to implement proper certificate pinning or validation mechanisms create persistent security risks for users and organizations. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of security awareness in the application development lifecycle, particularly concerning the implementation of secure communication protocols. Organizations deploying such applications face increased risk of data breaches and compliance violations, especially in regulated environments where proper certificate validation is mandated by security standards including those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001 requirements for secure application development.