CVE-2014-7547 in Texas Poker Unlimited Hold'em
Summary
by MITRE
The Texas Poker Unlimited Hold em (aka com.fpinternet.texaspokerunlimitedholdem) application 1.2.0 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 • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7547 affects the Texas Poker Unlimited Hold em Android application version 1.2.0, representing a critical security flaw in the application's cryptographic implementation. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS communications, creating a significant attack surface that exposes users to sophisticated man-in-the-middle threats. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate verification process, which is fundamental to establishing secure communications between mobile applications and remote servers.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's inability to perform proper certificate chain validation, allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the application. This weakness enables malicious actors to intercept and manipulate communications between the mobile application and its backend servers without detection. The vulnerability directly violates established security protocols and represents a failure in implementing proper certificate pinning mechanisms or certificate validation routines. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation, making it a direct implementation of weak cryptographic practices that undermine the security of the entire communication channel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it allows attackers to obtain sensitive user information including personal data, game state information, and potentially financial details if the application processes payments. The man-in-the-middle attack vector enables attackers to modify data in transit, inject malicious content, or redirect users to fraudulent servers that mimic legitimate application endpoints. This creates a persistent threat that can compromise user accounts, steal session tokens, and facilitate identity theft or fraud. The vulnerability affects all users of the specific Android application version, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of mobile gaming applications and their inherent trust in secure communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper certificate validation mechanisms within the application code, including certificate pinning to specific trusted authorities. Security patches must enforce strict certificate chain validation, implement certificate revocation checking, and ensure that all SSL/TLS connections use secure cipher suites. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers such as hostname verification and regular security audits of cryptographic implementations. The remediation process should align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and NIST guidelines for mobile application security, ensuring that certificate validation follows established best practices. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of cryptographic security in mobile applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple applications require robust security implementations to protect user data and maintain trust in digital services.