CVE-2014-7681 in VMware vForums 2014
Summary
by MITRE
The VMware vForums 2014 (aka com.coreapps.android.followme.vmwarevforums) application 6.0.9.4 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 • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7681 affects the VMware vForums 2014 Android application version 6.0.9.4, representing a critical security flaw in the application's SSL certificate validation mechanism. This issue resides within the mobile application's cryptographic implementation where proper certificate verification procedures are not enforced during secure communications with remote servers. The flaw specifically targets the application's inability to validate X.509 certificates presented by SSL servers, creating a fundamental weakness in the security infrastructure that protects user data and communications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper certificate validation within the application's network communication layer, which directly correlates to CWE-295, which addresses "Improper Certificate Validation." The application fails to perform essential certificate chain validation, hostname verification, and trust anchor checking that are fundamental requirements for secure SSL/TLS communications. This weakness allows malicious actors to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application, thereby bypassing the security measures designed to protect sensitive data transmission.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it exposes users to potential data interception and theft across all communication channels within the application. Attackers can exploit this weakness to capture sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and any other information transmitted through the application's secure connections. The vulnerability particularly affects the confidentiality and integrity of communications between users and VMware's forums servers, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate or steal data during transmission. This flaw undermines the fundamental security assurances that users expect from secure mobile applications and creates opportunities for credential theft and data breaches.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers "Phishing with Social Engineering" and T1041, "Exfiltration Over C2 Channel," as the compromised application becomes a vector for data exfiltration. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the application is designed for user interaction with VMware's forums, potentially exposing user accounts and personal information to unauthorized access. Mitigation strategies should include immediate certificate validation implementation with proper certificate pinning, hostname verification, and trust anchor validation. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications and highlights the necessity of adhering to security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-52 for certificate management and validation.