CVE-2016-5433 in iOS Receiver
Summary
by MITRE
Citrix iOS Receiver before 7.0 allows attackers to cause TLS certificates to be incorrectly validated via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5433 affects Citrix iOS Receiver versions prior to 7.0, representing a critical flaw in the mobile application's secure communication protocols. This issue specifically targets the Transport Layer Security certificate validation mechanism, which forms the cornerstone of secure remote access implementations in enterprise environments. The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit weaknesses in the certificate validation process, potentially allowing for man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized access to corporate networks through mobile devices.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that compromise the proper validation of TLS certificates during the secure connection establishment process. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper certificate validation as classified by CWE-295, which specifically addresses issues where applications fail to properly validate SSL/TLS certificates. The iOS Receiver application's failure to correctly verify certificate authenticity creates opportunities for attackers to present fraudulent certificates that the application accepts as legitimate. This weakness is particularly concerning given that the Citrix Receiver is commonly used for enterprise remote access, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to infiltrate corporate networks through mobile endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network security concerns to encompass significant enterprise risk management implications. Organizations relying on Citrix iOS Receiver for mobile access face potential exposure to data breaches, unauthorized network penetration, and credential theft when attackers exploit this certificate validation flaw. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assurances that TLS encryption provides, potentially allowing attackers to intercept sensitive communications, access confidential data, and establish persistent access points within corporate networks. This risk is amplified in environments where mobile workers connect to corporate resources using unsecured networks or public Wi-Fi connections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5433 primarily focus on immediate remediation through the deployment of Citrix iOS Receiver version 7.0 or later, which includes fixed certificate validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all mobile devices utilizing Citrix Receiver are updated promptly. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as certificate pinning, enhanced network monitoring, and regular security assessments of mobile endpoints. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning, as attackers may leverage this flaw to establish unauthorized network connections and expand their access within compromised environments. Organizations should also review their mobile device management policies and consider implementing zero-trust security models that do not rely solely on certificate validation for access control decisions.