CVE-2016-6562 in Mobility Client App
Summary
by MITRE
On iOS and Android devices, the ShoreTel Mobility Client app version 9.1.3.109 fails to properly validate SSL certificates provided by HTTPS connections, which means that an attacker in the position to perform MITM attacks may be able to obtain sensitive account information such as login credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6562 affects the ShoreTel Mobility Client application version 9.1.3.109 running on mobile devices including iOS and Android platforms. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's cryptographic implementation that directly impacts the integrity of secure communications between mobile users and ShoreTel servers. The issue stems from improper SSL certificate validation mechanisms that fail to adequately verify the authenticity and trustworthiness of security certificates presented during HTTPS connections. This vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that enables malicious actors to exploit the trust relationship between mobile clients and enterprise communication servers.
The technical flaw manifests through the application's failure to perform comprehensive certificate validation checks during SSL handshake procedures. Specifically, the ShoreTel Mobility Client does not properly implement certificate chain validation, hostname verification, or trust anchor validation processes that are fundamental to secure TLS communications. This deficiency allows attackers to present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the mobile client, thereby bypassing the security controls designed to protect sensitive user data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a classic example of weak cryptographic implementation that undermines the security assurances provided by SSL/TLS protocols. Attackers can leverage this weakness through man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept and potentially modify communications between mobile users and ShoreTel servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for enterprise communication systems. Mobile users who authenticate to ShoreTel services through the affected client application become vulnerable to credential harvesting attacks that can compromise not only individual user accounts but also potentially lead to unauthorized access to enterprise communication infrastructure. The attack vector requires an adversary to position themselves within the network path between the mobile client and the target server, typically through network compromise or wireless interception techniques. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on mobile communication solutions, as it undermines the security assurances that mobile workers expect when accessing corporate communication systems from remote locations. The potential for data exfiltration and unauthorized access to sensitive business communications creates substantial risk for enterprises utilizing ShoreTel Mobility services.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate remediation measures including updating to the latest version of the ShoreTel Mobility Client application where available. Security administrators should also consider network-level mitigations such as implementing certificate pinning policies and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks. The mitigation strategy should align with best practices from the ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to credential access and defense evasion. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their mobile communication infrastructure to identify other potential vulnerabilities in their mobile device management and secure communication protocols. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure timely deployment of security fixes and prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in other mobile applications and enterprise systems.