CVE-2018-0518 in LINE
Summary
by MITRE
LINE for iOS version 7.1.3 to 7.1.5 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 • 01/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0518 affects LINE for iOS applications version 7.1.3 through 7.1.5, representing a critical security flaw in the mobile messaging platform's cryptographic implementation. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during SSL/TLS connections, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user communications and data integrity.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's certificate verification process where LINE for iOS fails to perform proper X.509 certificate validation during secure communication establishment. This weakness allows attackers to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting maliciously crafted certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-295, which specifically addresses improper certificate validation in secure communications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, which covers data compression and encryption techniques used in network infiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the LINE messaging application. Attackers can exploit this weakness to intercept and potentially modify communications between users and LINE servers, gaining access to sensitive user information including private messages, contact details, and potentially authentication credentials. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of communications, violating fundamental security principles of secure messaging platforms and creating opportunities for widespread surveillance and data theft.
Organizations and users should immediately update to LINE for iOS version 7.1.6 or later, which contains the necessary certificate validation fixes. System administrators should monitor for any signs of compromise in environments where affected versions are deployed, while security teams should implement network-based monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle attack attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that certificate validation mechanisms function correctly and that no other applications within the organization exhibit similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the importance of keeping mobile applications updated and recognizing potential signs of cryptographic attacks in secure communication channels.