CVE-2014-7432 in CalculatorApp
Summary
by MITRE
The CalculatorApp (aka com.intuit.alm.testandroidapp) application 4.0 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 • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7432 affects the CalculatorApp application version 4.0 for Android platforms, specifically targeting the application's SSL certificate verification mechanisms. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the application's cryptographic implementation that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted between the mobile device and remote servers. The vulnerability 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.
The technical implementation flaw in this Android application demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure communication protocols where the app accepts any SSL certificate without proper validation against trusted certificate authorities. This insecure practice allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application. The absence of certificate pinning or proper certificate chain validation mechanisms means that the application cannot distinguish between legitimate servers and maliciously crafted certificates, effectively undermining the entire SSL/TLS security framework that protects data transmission over networks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to significant risks including data interception, credential theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information that may be transmitted through the application. Attackers can exploit this weakness to capture and manipulate data flows, potentially gaining access to personal information, financial data, or other confidential details processed by the CalculatorApp. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to maintain secure communications, thereby violating core security principles of confidentiality and integrity as defined by cybersecurity frameworks and industry standards.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique for credential access through man-in-the-middle attacks, specifically targeting the network communications component of mobile applications. This weakness represents a CWE-295 vulnerability, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation in secure communication protocols. Organizations and developers should implement certificate pinning mechanisms, proper certificate chain validation, and ensure that all SSL/TLS connections verify certificate authenticity against trusted root authorities. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar implementation flaws in mobile applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile security frameworks.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of proper certificate validation procedures within the application's SSL/TLS stack. Developers must ensure that the application validates certificate chains against trusted certificate authorities, implements certificate pinning where appropriate, and follows established security guidelines for mobile application development. This includes updating the application to verify certificate signatures, check certificate expiration dates, and validate certificate subject names against expected server identities. The fix should align with industry best practices for secure mobile application development and address the fundamental cryptographic weaknesses that enabled the man-in-the-middle attack scenario described in the vulnerability assessment.