CVE-2014-6848 in DS file
Summary
by MITRE
The DS file (aka com.synology.DSfile) application 4.1.1 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 identified as CVE-2014-6848 resides within the Synology DS file application version 4.1.1 for Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw in the application's cryptographic implementation. This weakness specifically targets the application's handling of SSL/TLS certificate validation mechanisms, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate X.509 certificates presented by SSL servers during secure communication sessions, effectively undermining the fundamental security assurances that SSL/TLS protocols are designed to provide.
The technical flaw in question constitutes a failure in certificate chain validation, where the DS file application bypasses the standard certificate verification processes that should confirm the authenticity and trustworthiness of SSL servers. This validation failure allows malicious actors to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application. The attack vector specifically targets the application's inability to validate certificate signatures, issuer information, and trust relationships, enabling attackers to establish fraudulent secure connections that appear legitimate to end users. This vulnerability directly violates the core principles of secure communication protocols and represents a failure in the application's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates opportunities for comprehensive surveillance and data exfiltration attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to sensitive user information stored on Synology devices, including personal files, business data, and potentially credentials used for authentication. The vulnerability affects users who rely on the DS file application for accessing their Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices over wireless networks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security cannot be guaranteed. This flaw essentially transforms the application from a secure data access tool into a potential vector for data compromise, affecting both individual users and enterprise environments that utilize Synology storage solutions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates from Synology to implement proper certificate validation mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all instances of the DS file application are updated to versions that properly validate X.509 certificates and implement standard SSL/TLS security practices. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential man-in-the-middle attacks, while users should be advised to avoid using the vulnerable application on untrusted networks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1041, which covers "Exfiltration Over C2 Channel" through compromised secure communication channels. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing to verify that certificate validation functions properly and that the application maintains secure communication protocols throughout all network interactions.