CVE-2014-7397 in ileri Gazetesi - Yozgat
Summary
by MITRE
The ileri Gazetesi - Yozgat (aka com.byfes.ilerigazetesi) 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7397 affects the ileri Gazetesi - Yozgat Android application version 1.0, 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 adversaries can exploit to compromise user data integrity and confidentiality. The flaw essentially disables the certificate verification mechanism that is fundamental to establishing trust in secure communications between mobile applications and remote servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's cryptographic security layer where SSL/TLS certificate validation is either completely omitted or improperly implemented. When an Android application establishes a secure connection to a server, it should verify the server's X.509 certificate against a trusted certificate authority to ensure the authenticity of the endpoint. In this case, the ileri Gazetesi application fails to perform this critical verification step, allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application. This weakness directly violates the principles of secure communication and authentication that form the foundation of network security protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it enables man-in-the-middle attacks that can result in complete compromise of user data transmission. Attackers positioned between the mobile device and the server can intercept, modify, or steal sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, financial information, and other confidential communications. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to maintain data integrity and confidentiality, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user accounts, identity theft, and financial fraud. This flaw undermines the fundamental security assurances that users expect from mobile applications that handle sensitive information.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1573.001 for "Reversible Encryption of Data." The lack of certificate verification creates an environment where attackers can establish fraudulent secure connections that appear legitimate to the victim application, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to protect against such attacks. Organizations and developers should implement proper certificate pinning mechanisms, utilize established security libraries, and ensure all SSL/TLS connections perform robust certificate validation to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should include implementing certificate verification checks, establishing certificate pinning strategies, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and address similar weaknesses in mobile application security implementations.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond the specific application, highlighting the critical importance of secure coding practices in mobile development environments. Mobile applications must adhere to established security frameworks and protocols to maintain user trust and protect sensitive data. This flaw demonstrates the necessity of comprehensive security testing and validation of cryptographic implementations, particularly in applications that handle user data or provide access to sensitive systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple applications require rigorous security considerations and proper implementation of standard security controls to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.