CVE-2014-7357 in Grandparenting is Great
Summary
by MITRE
The Grandparenting is Great (aka com.app_gig.layout) application 1.400 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 • 10/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7357 affects the com.app_gig.layout Android application version 1.400, specifically targeting its secure communication implementation. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's certificate validation mechanism that undermines the fundamental security assurances provided by SSL/TLS protocols. The issue manifests in the application's failure to properly verify X.509 certificates presented by SSL servers during secure connections, creating a dangerous security gap that exposes users to sophisticated attack vectors.
This technical deficiency directly relates to the absence of proper certificate chain validation and trust verification processes within the application's networking stack. The vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle attackers to successfully impersonate legitimate servers by presenting crafted certificates that the application accepts without proper scrutiny. This weakness stems from the application's failure to implement standard certificate validation procedures that should include checking certificate signatures, verifying certificate authorities, and ensuring proper certificate expiration dates. The flaw essentially allows attackers to establish fraudulent secure connections while the application remains oblivious to the compromised authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates an environment where attackers can obtain sensitive information through what appears to be legitimate secure communications. This includes but is not limited to user credentials, personal data, financial information, and other confidential details transmitted through the application's network connections. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on the application for sensitive transactions or data handling, as the compromised security posture undermines the integrity of all communications between the mobile device and backend servers. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects the entire application ecosystem, potentially compromising multiple user sessions and data points simultaneously.
Security professionals should recognize this issue as a direct violation of established security practices and standards such as those defined in CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, which covers data compression and encryption, as the compromised SSL implementation undermines the encryption security measures intended to protect data in transit. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including certificate pinning, proper certificate validation implementation, and comprehensive security testing of all network communication components. The recommended remediation involves updating the application to properly validate SSL certificates through established trust stores, implementing certificate pinning where appropriate, and conducting thorough security audits of all cryptographic implementations. Additionally, users should be advised to avoid using the vulnerable application until proper security patches are implemented and deployed across all affected versions.