CVE-2014-7326 in ETA Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
The ETA Mobile (aka com.en2grate.etamobile) application 1.6.6 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 • 10/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7326 affects the ETA Mobile application version 1.6.6 for Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw in the application's certificate validation mechanism. This weakness resides in the application's inability to properly verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets the secure communication layer between the mobile application and remote servers, undermining the fundamental security principles of encrypted data transmission.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in certificate pinning and validation processes within the Android application's network security implementation. When the ETA Mobile application establishes SSL connections with backend servers, it does not perform proper certificate chain validation or trust verification against established certificate authorities. This omission allows attackers to present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application, enabling them to intercept and manipulate encrypted communications. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer security level, specifically targeting the SSL/TLS handshake process where certificate verification should occur.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to severe man-in-the-middle attacks that can result in comprehensive data theft and system compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to eavesdrop on sensitive communications, capture user credentials, personal information, and business data transmitted through the application. The vulnerability particularly impacts applications handling confidential data such as financial information, personal identifiers, or corporate secrets, as the attacker can seamlessly impersonate legitimate servers without detection. This creates a persistent threat vector that can remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to conduct prolonged surveillance and data exfiltration operations.
The security implications align with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1573.002 for "Encrypted Channel" where adversaries establish secure communication channels to maintain access. Organizations using this application face increased risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of secure coding practices and inadequate implementation of cryptographic security measures. Mitigation strategies should include immediate application updates with proper certificate validation, implementation of certificate pinning mechanisms, and comprehensive security testing of all network communication components. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of mobile applications and implement robust monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts.