CVE-2014-7396 in PocketKnife Bravo Super
Summary
by MITRE
The PocketKnife Bravo Super (aka com.wPocketKnifeBravo) application 0.54.13345.33028 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 • 10/05/2024
The PocketKnife Bravo Super Android application version 0.54.13345.33028 contains a critical security flaw in its SSL/TLS certificate verification implementation that fundamentally undermines the security of network communications. This vulnerability represents a failure in the application's cryptographic security controls, specifically in how it handles X.509 certificate validation during secure socket layer connections. The flaw allows malicious actors to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged certificates that the application accepts without proper verification, creating a dangerous trust relationship that compromises the integrity of all data transmitted through the application's network channels.
This vulnerability directly corresponds to CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation in secure communications, and falls under the broader category of weak cryptographic implementations. The application's failure to properly validate SSL/TLS certificates means it cannot distinguish between legitimate secure servers and maliciously crafted certificates, creating a trust boundary that can be easily exploited by attackers. The security implications extend beyond simple data interception to include potential credential theft, session hijacking, and complete compromise of user data that relies on the application's secure communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it affects all network communications within the application, making it susceptible to various attack vectors described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential access and T1041 for data transmission. Attackers can exploit this weakness to intercept sensitive user information, manipulate communications, and potentially gain unauthorized access to backend systems that the application communicates with. The vulnerability affects not just the application's own security posture but also the security of any data that users entrust to the application, including personal information, authentication tokens, and potentially corporate data if the application is used in business environments.
The recommended mitigations include implementing proper certificate pinning mechanisms, ensuring all SSL/TLS certificate validation follows industry standards such as those specified in RFC 5280, and implementing certificate revocation checking through OCSP or CRL validation. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious certificate usage patterns and establish a process for regular security assessments of mobile applications. The application developers must update their cryptographic libraries to properly validate certificate chains, implement proper error handling for certificate validation failures, and ensure that all network communications require valid, trusted certificates before establishing secure connections. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when security controls are inadequately implemented in client-side applications that handle sensitive user data.