CVE-2015-0943 in Banking
Summary
by MITRE
Basware Banking (Maksuliikenne) before 9.10.0.0 does not encrypt communication between the client and the backend server, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to obtain encryption keys, user credentials, and other sensitive information by sniffing the network or modify this traffic by inserting packets into the client-server data stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0943 affects Basware Banking (Maksuliikenne) versions prior to 9.10.0.0, representing a critical weakness in the application's network security architecture. This flaw stems from the absence of proper encryption mechanisms during client-server communication, creating an environment where malicious actors can exploit the unencrypted data transmission channels. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information flowing between the client application and backend servers, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where financial transactions and user credentials are routinely processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the complete absence of encryption protocols during network communication between client and server components. Attackers can leverage this weakness through passive network sniffing techniques to capture unencrypted data packets containing user credentials, encryption keys, and other sensitive information. Additionally, the lack of encryption enables active man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can inject malicious packets into the data stream, potentially modifying transaction data or redirecting communications to malicious endpoints. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-310, which specifically addresses cryptographic weaknesses and the absence of proper encryption mechanisms in network communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential financial fraud and system compromise. Organizations using affected versions of Basware Banking face significant risks including unauthorized access to financial accounts, credential theft that could lead to broader system infiltration, and potential manipulation of transaction data. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects banking applications where sensitive financial information is routinely transmitted, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking financial gain. Network administrators and security teams must consider the implications of this vulnerability when assessing their overall security posture and risk management strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0943 require immediate implementation of proper encryption protocols including the adoption of TLS 1.2 or higher for all client-server communications. Organizations should upgrade to Basware Banking version 9.10.0.0 or later, which implements proper encryption mechanisms. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate man-in-the-middle activity. The implementation of certificate pinning and strict certificate validation procedures can further protect against certificate-based attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which covers network service scanning and exploitation of unencrypted communication channels, emphasizing the need for comprehensive network security controls. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within their infrastructure.