CVE-2014-6925 in Steyr Forum
Summary
by MITRE
The Steyr Forum (aka com.tapatalk.steyrclubcomvb) application 3.9.12 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 • 09/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6925 affects the Steyr Forum Android application version 3.9.12, specifically targeting its implementation of secure communication protocols. This application, designed for community engagement and forum participation, fails to properly validate SSL/TLS certificates during network connections, creating a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of encrypted communications. The issue stems from the application's inadequate certificate verification process, which leaves users exposed to sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise their sensitive data and privacy.
This technical flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture, where the SSL/TLS certificate validation mechanism is either completely disabled or improperly implemented. The vulnerability allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged SSL certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application. This weakness directly violates industry standards and best practices for secure communication, as outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The absence of proper certificate pinning or validation creates an environment where attackers can intercept and manipulate communications between the mobile application and remote servers without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and potentially sensitive forum communications. Mobile applications that rely on SSL/TLS for secure data transmission are particularly vulnerable when certificate validation is bypassed, as users trust the application to maintain secure connections. This flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including public Wi-Fi networks, compromised network infrastructure, or malicious intermediaries that can present forged certificates to the vulnerable application. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects a widely used forum application, potentially exposing thousands of users to coordinated attacks.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1573.002 for "Encrypted Channel" and represents a failure in the application's secure communication implementation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," making it a critical weakness in the application's security posture. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the application, implementing network monitoring for suspicious certificate behavior, and considering alternative forum platforms with proper certificate validation mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of thorough security testing for mobile applications before deployment, particularly those handling sensitive user data or facilitating communication with remote servers.