CVE-2025-4378 in ATA-AOF Mobile Application
Summary
by MITRE • 06/24/2025
Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerability in Ataturk University ATA-AOF Mobile Application allows Authentication Abuse, Authentication Bypass.
This issue affects ATA-AOF Mobile Application: before 20.06.2025.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-4378 represents a critical security flaw in the Ataturk University ATA-AOF Mobile Application that exposes sensitive data through cleartext transmission and hard-coded credentials. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The application's failure to implement proper encryption mechanisms for data transmission creates an environment where confidential information can be intercepted and read by malicious actors during network communication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the application's reliance on cleartext transmission protocols for sensitive information exchange. This approach violates fundamental security principles outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity framework, where data in transit should be protected using strong encryption algorithms. The presence of hard-coded credentials within the application code represents a particularly dangerous flaw that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems without needing to perform complex exploitation techniques. This pattern aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass full authentication abuse and potential bypass capabilities. Attackers can leverage the cleartext transmission to capture authentication tokens, session identifiers, and other sensitive credentials that are transmitted without proper encryption. This creates a pathway for unauthorized access to protected resources and systems within the university's network infrastructure. The authentication bypass capability means that even if legitimate users have valid credentials, the vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent the authentication process entirely by exploiting the hardcoded credentials embedded within the application.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects a mobile application used by university personnel and potentially students. Mobile applications represent a significant security risk when they fail to implement proper cryptographic protections, as they often operate in less secure environments than traditional desktop applications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects all versions of the application prior to the specified date of 20.06.2025, suggesting that a substantial user base may be exposed to this risk. This aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's concept of credential access techniques, where adversaries seek to obtain credentials through various means including hardcoded values and cleartext transmission.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the deployment of strong encryption protocols such as TLS 1.3 for all network communications, removal of hard-coded credentials from application code, and implementation of proper credential management practices. The remediation process should involve comprehensive code reviews to identify and eliminate all hardcoded values, implementation of secure key management systems, and enforcement of secure coding standards. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect and alert on cleartext transmission attempts, as this vulnerability represents a clear violation of industry best practices established by standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST guidelines for mobile application security.