CVE-2014-7609 in iStunt 2
Summary
by MITRE
The iStunt 2 (aka com.miniclip.istunt2) application 1.1.2 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 • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7609 affects the iStunt 2 mobile application version 1.1.2 for the android platform. This represents a critical security flaw in the application's implementation of secure communication protocols, specifically within its handling of SSL/TLS certificate validation mechanisms. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates presented by SSL servers during secure connections, creating a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture that directly violates established cryptographic security principles.
This vulnerability constitutes a severe implementation flaw that aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses the improper certificate validation in secure communication protocols. The absence of proper certificate verification creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector that allows malicious actors to intercept and manipulate communications between the mobile application and its backend servers. Attackers can craft malicious certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application, thereby bypassing the intended security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data exchanges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables comprehensive surveillance and data theft capabilities for attackers. Mobile applications that rely on secure communication channels for user authentication, transaction processing, or sensitive data transmission become vulnerable to complete compromise when they fail to validate SSL certificates properly. This vulnerability particularly affects applications handling user credentials, personal information, financial data, or any confidential exchanges between mobile clients and server infrastructure, making it a significant concern for applications in the gaming and mobile services sectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper certificate pinning mechanisms and robust SSL certificate validation routines within the application. Organizations should implement certificate transparency measures, utilize trusted certificate authorities, and deploy proper certificate validation libraries that enforce strict certificate chain verification. The remediation process should involve comprehensive code review and security testing to ensure all network communication pathways properly validate server certificates. Additionally, implementing network security monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous certificate behavior and potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of adhering to security best practices outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-52 for certificate management and the OWASP Mobile Security Project recommendations for secure mobile application development, particularly in preventing insecure communication channels that expose sensitive user data to unauthorized access.