CVE-2014-7072 in Venezia map
Summary
by MITRE
The Venezia map (aka com.wVeneziamap) application 0.1 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 • 09/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7072 resides within the Venezia map Android application version 0.1, specifically manifesting as a critical security flaw in the application's handling of secure communications. This issue represents a fundamental failure in the application's implementation of Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols, where the software neglects to perform proper certificate verification during SSL connections. The absence of X.509 certificate validation creates a significant attack vector that compromises the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted between the mobile application and remote servers. This vulnerability directly impacts the application's ability to establish trust with legitimate servers while simultaneously opening pathways for malicious actors to intercept and manipulate communications.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," a category that encompasses failures in validating the authenticity and trustworthiness of digital certificates used in secure communications. The vulnerability operates by bypassing the standard certificate chain validation process that should occur when establishing SSL/TLS connections, allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that the application accepts without proper scrutiny. This weakness enables man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can position themselves between the application and legitimate servers, decrypting sensitive information, modifying data in transit, or redirecting communications to malicious endpoints. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core security mechanism that should protect user data and maintain the integrity of network communications.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7072 extends beyond simple data interception, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any user interacting with the Venezia map application. Mobile users who rely on this application for navigation or location-based services become vulnerable to attacks that could compromise their location data, personal information, or even financial transactions if the application handles sensitive user credentials. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to maintain secure communication channels, potentially exposing users to identity theft, location tracking, or other malicious activities that exploit the trust relationship between the application and its backend services. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can exploit it to create fake server endpoints that appear legitimate to the application, allowing them to capture and manipulate all data flowing through the compromised communication channel.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper certificate validation mechanisms within the application's SSL/TLS handling code. The application must enforce strict certificate chain validation, including verification of certificate signatures, expiration dates, and trust anchors against established certificate authorities. Organizations should implement certificate pinning strategies where possible, embedding trusted certificate fingerprints directly within the application to prevent acceptance of fraudulent certificates. Additionally, the application should utilize secure communication libraries that properly implement certificate validation routines and avoid custom implementations that may introduce additional security gaps. The remediation process must also include regular security audits of network communication code and adherence to industry best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-52 for certificate management and secure communication protocols. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications and the severe consequences that arise from inadequate security controls in client-side software.