CVE-2018-0691 in +Message App
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple +Message Apps (Softbank +Message App for Android prior to version 10.1.7, Softbank +Message App for iOS prior to version 1.1.23, NTT DOCOMO +Message App for Android prior to version 42.40.2800, NTT DOCOMO +Message App for iOS prior to version 1.1.23, KDDI +Message App for Android prior to version 1.0.6, and KDDI +Message App for iOS prior to version 1.1.23) do 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 • 04/13/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical certificate verification flaw in mobile messaging applications from major japanese carriers including softbank ntt docomo and kddi. The issue stems from improper implementation of ssl/tls certificate validation mechanisms within these applications, specifically failing to properly validate x509 certificates presented by ssl servers during secure communications. This fundamental security weakness creates a pathway for man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can establish fraudulent server connections and intercept sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects multiple platform versions across android and ios operating systems, with specific affected versions ranging from softbank's android version 10.1.6 and ios 1.1.22 through ntt docomo's android 42.40.2799 and ios 1.1.22 to kddi's android 1.0.5 and ios 1.1.22. The technical implementation fails to enforce proper certificate chain validation, allowing attackers to present crafted certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass comprehensive security compromise of user communications within carrier messaging ecosystems. Mobile users of these applications face significant risks including unauthorized access to personal messages, contact information, location data, and potentially financial information transmitted through the messaging platforms. The vulnerability particularly affects carrier-specific messaging services that rely on ssl encryption for user privacy and data protection. Attackers exploiting this weakness can establish persistent surveillance capabilities, enabling them to monitor user communications without detection. This represents a critical failure in the security architecture of enterprise messaging systems and demonstrates poor adherence to established ssl/tls security best practices. The vulnerability directly relates to cwe-295 which specifically addresses improper certificate validation and can be categorized under attack technique t1046 in the attack tree framework as it enables network infiltration through ssl stripping attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of security patches and updates from affected vendors, as well as implementation of network-level security controls to detect and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Organizations should consider deploying ssl inspection solutions that can identify and block suspicious certificate chains, while also implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable applications. Users must be educated about the risks of connecting to untrusted networks and the importance of keeping applications updated. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual ssl certificate validation failures and anomalous communication patterns that may indicate active exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper ssl implementation and adherence to security standards such as those defined in the iso/iec 27001 framework for secure communications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar certificate validation flaws in other applications and systems. Additionally, implementing certificate pinning mechanisms within applications can provide additional protection layers against certificate-based attacks while maintaining compliance with industry security standards and regulatory requirements for data protection.