CVE-2015-0897 in LINE
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
LINE for Android version 5.0.2 and earlier and LINE for iOS version 5.0.0 and earlier are vulnerable to MITM (man-in-the-middle) attack since the application allows non-SSL/TLS communications. As a result, any API may be invoked from a script injected by a MITM (man-in-the-middle) attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-0897 represents a critical security flaw in LINE messaging applications across both android and ios platforms. This issue stems from the application's failure to enforce secure communication protocols, specifically the absence of mandatory ssl/tls encryption for api communications. The vulnerability affects versions of LINE for android up to 5.0.2 and LINE for ios up to 5.0.0, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and communications. The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with common weaknesses identified in cwe-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of encryption. The implementation flaw allows attackers to intercept and manipulate communications between the mobile application and backend servers without proper authentication or encryption mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables man-in-the-middle attacks that can completely compromise the confidentiality and integrity of user communications. When applications fail to enforce ssl/tls connections, they expose all api endpoints to potential interception and manipulation by malicious actors positioned on the same network segment. Attackers can inject malicious scripts that leverage these insecure connections to invoke any api endpoint available within the application's functionality. This creates opportunities for data exfiltration, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to user accounts and communications. The vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and credential access phases, particularly targeting network protocol manipulation and credential exposure. The implications extend beyond simple data interception, as attackers could potentially manipulate application behavior, inject malicious content, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users.
The security implications of CVE-2015-0897 represent a fundamental failure in secure communication implementation that violates core security principles of confidentiality and integrity. Mobile applications that do not enforce secure communication channels create dangerous trust boundaries that can be easily exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical gap in the security architecture where network-level protections are insufficient to prevent unauthorized access to application functionality. Organizations implementing similar security measures should consider implementing mandatory ssl/tls enforcement, certificate pinning, and comprehensive network security monitoring to detect and prevent such attacks. The remediation approach requires immediate implementation of secure communication protocols, regular security testing, and adherence to industry standards such as those outlined in the owasp mobile security project. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing during development cycles and the need for continuous monitoring of application security posture to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases.