CVE-2024-45205 in UniFi App
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2024
An Improper Certificate Validation on the UniFi iOS App managing a standalone UniFi Access Point (not using UniFi Network Application) could allow a malicious actor with access to an adjacent network to take control of this UniFi Access Point.
Affected Products: UniFi iOS App (Version 10.17.7 and earlier) Mitigation: UniFi iOS App (Version 10.18.0 or later).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the UniFi iOS application that undermines the integrity of certificate validation processes when managing standalone UniFi Access Points. The issue arises from improper certificate validation mechanisms that fail to adequately verify the authenticity and trustworthiness of certificates presented during network communication. When an attacker gains access to an adjacent network, they can exploit this weakness to potentially compromise the targeted access point, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to protect network infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects the UniFi iOS App version 10.17.7 and earlier, where the certificate validation logic contains implementation flaws that allow malicious actors to manipulate or substitute certificates without proper verification.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under the category of weak certificate validation, which aligns with CWE-295 - Improper Certificate Validation. This weakness enables man-in-the-middle attacks by allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that the application accepts as legitimate. The vulnerability occurs within the iOS application's network communication stack where it establishes connections to standalone UniFi Access Points without the mediation of a centralized UniFi Network Application. This direct communication channel creates an attack surface where certificate validation can be bypassed, potentially allowing an attacker to establish unauthorized control over the access point's configuration and operations. The improper validation process likely involves insufficient checks against certificate authorities, missing certificate chain validation, or inadequate hostname verification that allows attackers to present forged certificates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network compromise, as it provides attackers with potential access to network infrastructure that controls wireless access and device management. Once an attacker successfully takes control of a UniFi Access Point, they can potentially modify network configurations, disrupt services, or establish persistent access points within the network. This compromise affects not only the specific device but could also enable lateral movement within the network, especially if the access point serves as a gateway or hub for other network components. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only adjacent network access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. The risk is amplified because the UniFi Access Point typically serves as a critical component in enterprise and commercial network infrastructures, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent network access.
The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to UniFi iOS App version 10.18.0 or later, which includes fixed certificate validation mechanisms that properly verify certificate authenticity and trust. This update addresses the underlying implementation flaws by strengthening the certificate validation process, ensuring proper chain of trust verification, and implementing more robust hostname checking procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing additional network security controls such as network segmentation, access control lists, and monitoring for suspicious network activity. The fix likely incorporates enhanced certificate pinning mechanisms, improved certificate chain validation, and stronger cryptographic verification processes that align with industry standards for secure communication protocols. Network administrators should also review and enforce proper network access controls to minimize the risk of adjacent network access, while implementing continuous monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper certificate management and validation in mobile applications that interface with critical network infrastructure, emphasizing the need for robust security practices throughout the entire software development lifecycle.