CVE-2014-7483 in Desire2Learn FUSION 2014
Summary
by MITRE
The Desire2Learn FUSION 2014 (aka com.desire2learn.fusion2012) application 4.0.729.1748 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 • 10/08/2024
The CVE-2014-7483 vulnerability affects the Desire2Learn FUSION 2014 Android application version 4.0.729.1748, presenting a critical security flaw in the application's SSL certificate validation mechanism. This vulnerability resides in the application's inability to properly verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, creating a significant attack surface that enables malicious actors to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks against users of the platform. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's cryptographic security implementation, specifically within its certificate trust verification process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper certificate pinning or chain of trust validation during SSL/TLS connections. When the Desire2Learn application establishes secure communications with its backend servers, it should validate the server's X.509 certificate against a trusted certificate authority to ensure the authenticity of the connection. However, this implementation defect allows attackers to present forged certificates that appear legitimate to the application, effectively bypassing the security measures designed to protect user data. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-295, which addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1573.002 for "Encrypted Channel: Asymmetric Cryptography" where adversaries exploit weak cryptographic implementations to intercept and manipulate communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly for educational institutions and users relying on the Desire2Learn platform for learning management and data exchange. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can intercept sensitive user information including login credentials, personal data, academic records, and communication content transmitted through the application. The man-in-the-middle attack vector allows for passive eavesdropping on all communications between the mobile application and backend servers, potentially enabling credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration. This weakness undermines the fundamental security assurances that users expect when accessing educational platforms, particularly in environments where sensitive academic and personal information is routinely transmitted.
Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Desire2Learn FUSION application, implementing network-level monitoring to detect suspicious certificate behavior, and conducting security audits of all mobile applications handling sensitive data. System administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as certificate pinning at the network level, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments of mobile application environments. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper SSL/TLS implementation in mobile applications and serves as a reminder that cryptographic security must be rigorously tested and validated to prevent exploitation by adversaries who seek to compromise user data and system integrity through weakened security controls.