CVE-2014-7525 in Domain Name Search
Summary
by MITRE
The Domain Name Search & Web Host (aka com.wDomainNameSearchandRegistration) application 0.64.13398.55733 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 • 10/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7525 affects the Domain Name Search & Web Host Android application version 0.64.73398.55733, representing a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communications. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack vector that undermines the fundamental security assurances typically provided by secure communication protocols. The flaw exists within the application's certificate verification mechanism, which is essential for establishing trust between the mobile client and remote servers.
This vulnerability represents a classic implementation error in SSL/TLS certificate validation that aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses the failure to validate certificates. The application's inability to verify server certificates creates a man-in-the-middle attack scenario where malicious actors can intercept communications between the Android device and legitimate servers. Attackers can present forged certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application, allowing them to decrypt and potentially modify sensitive data transmitted between the user's device and web services. The weakness directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of communications, as the application cannot distinguish between genuine servers and malicious imposters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables comprehensive eavesdropping capabilities for threat actors. Mobile applications that rely on secure communication channels for user authentication, data transmission, or transaction processing become particularly vulnerable when they fail to validate SSL certificates. Attackers can exploit this weakness to capture login credentials, personal information, financial data, or other sensitive user content that flows through the application's network connections. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile environments where users may connect to public networks, increasing the attack surface and potential exposure of compromised data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7525 should focus on implementing proper certificate validation mechanisms within the application's SSL/TLS implementation. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to perform thorough certificate chain validation, including checking certificate expiration dates, verifying certificate authorities, and ensuring proper hostname matching. Security controls should also include implementing certificate pinning techniques where the application maintains a trusted list of certificate fingerprints or public keys, preventing the acceptance of unauthorized certificates even if they are cryptographically valid. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks and ensure proper certificate validation is enforced across all network communications. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those defined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and NIST guidelines for mobile application security.