CVE-2020-5526 in Mobile App
Summary
by MITRE
The AWMS Mobile App for Android 2.0.0 to 2.0.5 and for iOS 2.0.0 to 2.0.8 does not verify X.509 certificates from servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive information via a crafted certificate.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-5526 represents a critical security flaw in the AWMS Mobile Application across both android and ios platforms within specific version ranges. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates during secure communications, creating a significant attack surface that enables malicious actors to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks against unsuspecting users. The affected versions include android 2.0.0 through 2.0.5 and ios 2.0.0 through 2.0.8, indicating a widespread issue affecting a substantial user base. The core problem lies in the application's implementation of SSL/TLS certificate validation mechanisms, which are fundamental to establishing secure communications between mobile clients and backend servers.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of certificate verification procedures within the mobile application's cryptographic implementation. When the application establishes connections to servers, it fails to perform the essential X.509 certificate validation steps that should confirm the server's identity and ensure the authenticity of the certificate presented. This omission allows attackers to generate or obtain fraudulent certificates that can masquerade as legitimate server identities, effectively bypassing the security controls that should protect user data and communications. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-295 which specifically addresses improper certificate validation and certificate chain building, making it a clear example of weak cryptographic implementation that undermines the entire security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly concerning sensitive data exposure and user privacy breaches. Attackers can exploit this weakness to intercept and manipulate communications between mobile users and application servers, potentially gaining access to personal information, authentication credentials, or other confidential data transmitted through the application. The man-in-the-middle attack vector allows for passive eavesdropping on communications, as well as active interference and data modification, creating opportunities for credential theft, session hijacking, and other malicious activities. This vulnerability essentially nullifies the security benefits of transport layer encryption, leaving users exposed to various forms of cyber attacks that could compromise their digital identities and sensitive information.
Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations to address the certificate validation weakness. The primary remediation involves updating the mobile application to versions that properly implement X.509 certificate verification procedures, ensuring that certificate chains are validated against trusted certificate authorities and that certificate expiration dates are properly checked. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts, while users should avoid conducting sensitive transactions through the vulnerable application until updates are deployed. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1046 for network service scanning and T1566 for credential harvesting, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate technical flaw and broader threat landscape considerations.