CVE-2014-7391 in Synx addictive puzzle game
Summary
by MITRE
The Synx addictive puzzle game (aka us.synx.mobile.play) application 1.0 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 • 10/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7391 affects the Synx addictive puzzle game application version 1.0 for Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communication protocols. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process within the application's network communication stack, where it fails to perform proper validation of server certificates before establishing secure connections. This weakness allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application, thereby undermining the fundamental security assurances that SSL/TLS protocols are designed to provide.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the application's network security architecture where it relies on default or minimal certificate validation mechanisms rather than implementing robust certificate chain validation procedures. This behavior directly violates established security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-295, which specifically addresses weaknesses in certificate validation. The vulnerability creates a condition where the application accepts any certificate presented by a server without proper verification of the certificate's authenticity, issuer, expiration status, or cryptographic integrity. Attackers can exploit this by generating or obtaining a certificate that matches the target server's domain name but lacks proper validation, allowing them to intercept and potentially modify communications between the mobile application and its backend services. The implications extend beyond simple data interception to include potential credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to user accounts and personal information stored within the application's ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it exposes users to various forms of cyber attacks that can compromise their sensitive information and privacy. Mobile applications that fail to properly validate SSL certificates create an environment where attackers can seamlessly impersonate legitimate services, making it extremely difficult for users to detect malicious activity. This vulnerability particularly affects the application's ability to maintain secure communications with backend servers, potentially exposing user credentials, personal data, and transactional information to unauthorized parties. The attack vector is relatively straightforward and effective, as the attacker needs only to position themselves between the application and the target server to intercept communications. This weakness undermines the core security model of mobile applications and creates trust relationships that can be easily manipulated. The vulnerability also has implications for data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can not only read intercepted communications but potentially modify them in transit, leading to potential financial fraud or data corruption scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7391 should focus on implementing proper certificate validation mechanisms within the application's network security framework. The most effective approach involves updating the application to perform comprehensive X.509 certificate validation, including verification of certificate chains, proper issuer validation, and expiration date checking. Security implementations should align with industry standards such as those recommended in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and NIST guidelines for mobile application security. Organizations should implement certificate pinning techniques to ensure that the application only accepts specific certificates or certificate authorities, thereby reducing the attack surface. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in mobile applications. The fix should include proper error handling for certificate validation failures, ensuring that the application terminates connections when certificate validation fails rather than proceeding with potentially compromised communications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing robust security measures in mobile applications and highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and updating of mobile security protocols.