CVE-2014-6855 in Long
Summary
by MITRE
The Long (aka com.imop.longjiang.android) application 1.0.4 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.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6855 represents a critical security flaw in the Long Android application version 1.0.4, where the software fails to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS communications. This deficiency creates a significant attack surface that enables man-in-the-middle adversaries to successfully impersonate legitimate servers and intercept sensitive data transmitted between the mobile application and remote services. The vulnerability directly impacts the fundamental security principle of certificate verification, which is essential for establishing trust in secure communications.
This technical weakness stems from improper implementation of SSL/TLS certificate validation mechanisms within the Android application's networking stack. The application essentially accepts any certificate presented by a server without performing the required verification steps including checking certificate authorities, validating certificate chains, or ensuring proper hostname matching. This behavior aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and represents a classic example of inadequate cryptographic implementation that undermines the security assurances provided by SSL/TLS protocols. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where secure communication channels should be established but are instead left wide open to malicious interference.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it allows attackers to establish false trust relationships with users and potentially access sensitive information including personal data, credentials, financial information, or proprietary business data. Mobile applications that rely on secure communication channels for authentication, data synchronization, or transaction processing become particularly vulnerable when they fail to implement proper certificate validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by presenting forged certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application, thereby bypassing the security measures designed to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1041, which involves data encryption for integrity, and T1566, which encompasses social engineering tactics to manipulate users into accepting fraudulent certificates. The attack vector typically involves network interception where malicious actors position themselves between the mobile application and target servers, presenting crafted certificates that the vulnerable application accepts without proper verification. Organizations and users must understand that this vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in secure communication implementation that can be exploited across various attack scenarios including credential theft, data exfiltration, and service disruption. The remediation approach requires immediate implementation of proper certificate validation mechanisms including certificate pinning, proper CA validation, and adherence to established security standards for mobile application development.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of cryptographic security implementation in mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data or conducting financial transactions. Mobile security frameworks and development practices must incorporate proper SSL/TLS certificate validation as a baseline requirement, with specific attention to the security controls that prevent the exploitation of such flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including penetration testing and code review processes that specifically target cryptographic implementation weaknesses to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into mobile applications.