CVE-2017-2278 in RBB SPEED TEST App
Summary
by MITRE
The RBB SPEED TEST App for Android version 2.0.3 and earlier, RBB SPEED TEST App for iOS version 2.1.0 and earlier 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 • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2278 affects mobile applications developed by RBB for both android and ios platforms, specifically versions up to and including 2.0.3 for android and 2.1.0 for ios. This represents a critical security flaw in the applications' implementation of secure communication protocols, as they fail to properly validate SSL/TLS certificates during network connections. The absence of X.509 certificate verification creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user data and system integrity. This vulnerability directly impacts the fundamental security assurances that secure communication protocols are designed to provide, leaving users exposed to various forms of cyber attacks that would otherwise be prevented by proper certificate validation mechanisms.
The technical flaw in question stems from the application's failure to implement proper certificate pinning or validation procedures during SSL/TLS handshakes. When an application connects to a secure server, it should verify that the server's certificate is valid, properly signed by a trusted certificate authority, and matches the expected hostname. In the case of the RBB SPEED TEST applications, this verification process is completely bypassed, allowing attackers to present any certificate during the connection establishment phase. This weakness enables man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can intercept communications between the mobile application and its intended servers, effectively becoming a relay point for all transmitted data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a failure in implementing proper SSL/TLS security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that secure mobile applications must maintain with their users. Attackers can exploit this weakness to obtain sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and potentially financial information that users might transmit through the application. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of communications, as any data transmitted between the mobile device and the server can be read or modified by attackers. This creates a significant risk for users who may be conducting sensitive activities through the application, particularly in environments where network traffic is not properly secured or monitored. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper certificate validation mechanisms within the mobile applications. Developers must ensure that all SSL/TLS connections perform thorough verification of server certificates, including checking certificate signatures, validating certificate chains, and confirming hostname matching. The implementation should follow industry best practices such as certificate pinning, where applications maintain a list of trusted certificates or public keys and verify that the server presents one of these trusted values. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls including network monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in mobile applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which covers network service scanning and T1566 which covers credential access through social engineering or network attacks. The security implications of this flaw underscore the necessity for comprehensive mobile application security testing and adherence to established security frameworks and standards.