CVE-2014-6947 in Archie Comics
Summary
by MITRE
The Archie Comics (aka com.iversecomics.archie.android) application 1.07 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.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6947 affects the Archie Comics Android application version 1.07, presenting a critical security flaw in the application's handling of secure communications. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating an exploitable weakness that undermines the fundamental security assurances provided by cryptographic protocols. The flaw represents a direct violation of established security practices for mobile application development and network communication security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the application's SSL certificate verification mechanism, which operates outside the bounds of standard security protocols. When the application establishes connections to remote servers, it fails to perform proper certificate chain validation, allowing attackers to present malicious certificates that appear legitimate to the application. This weakness specifically relates to the absence of certificate pinning and proper trust store validation, enabling attackers to intercept and manipulate communications without detection. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in security protocols, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for data encryption for exfiltration, as the compromised communication channel enables unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a complete breakdown in the application's security posture. Man-in-the-middle attackers can exploit this weakness to establish fraudulent connections with the application, potentially gaining access to user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data transmitted through the compromised communication channel. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of all data exchanged between the mobile application and remote servers, undermining user trust and potentially exposing users to identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities. This weakness particularly impacts applications handling sensitive user data and represents a significant risk to user privacy and security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper SSL certificate validation mechanisms within the application. Developers should implement certificate pinning to ensure that only trusted certificates are accepted, along with proper certificate chain validation against trusted root authorities. The application should also incorporate certificate revocation checking and implement secure communication protocols that enforce strict certificate validation. Organizations should follow industry standards such as OWASP Mobile Top 10 recommendations for secure communication and implement proper security testing including SSL certificate validation checks. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the application's security architecture, ensuring compliance with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for secure application development and network security.