CVE-2020-11050CWE-297

Improper Validation of Certificate with Host Mismatch in Java-WebSocket

Critical · published May 7, 2020

CVSS v3.1
9.0
EPSS
1%
Percentile
55.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🔥 An SSL hostname validation oversight in Java-WebSocket versions 1.4.1 and earlier could let attackers steal data like a fake phone caller fooling you into revealing personal info! Picture a phone scam where someone pretending to be your bank asks for your details, and you don’t notice it’s not the real deal! Here, the WebSocketClient is like that unwitting customer service rep who doesn’t verify the caller’s identity before sharing sensitive information. Without proper SSL hostname validation, attackers can intercept data or impersonate a trusted service, opening the door to a potential data breach. This could lead to devastating consequences for your applications, including unauthorized access to sensitive information and loss of user trust. It's critical that you address this vulnerability immediately!

Put simply

Picture a phone scam where someone pretending to be your bank asks for your details, and you don’t notice it’s not the real deal! Here, the WebSocketClient is like that unwitting customer service rep who doesn’t verify the caller’s identity before sharing sensitive information. This vulnerability occurs because the WebSocketClient in Java-WebSocket fails to validate the SSL certificate hostname correctly, allowing for man-in-the-middle attacks. It affects versions up to and including 1.4.1, meaning attackers can masquerade as legitimate endpoints.

What to do

Without proper SSL hostname validation, attackers can intercept data or impersonate a trusted service, opening the door to a potential data breach. This could lead to devastating consequences for your applications, including unauthorized access to sensitive information and loss of user trust. It's critical that you address this vulnerability immediately! Upgrade to Java-WebSocket version 1.5.0 or later to patch this vulnerability. Be sure to review your SSL configurations and validate that proper hostname checks are in place to secure your connections. Don't leave your applications exposed! You've got this! By following these steps, you'll reinforce your security and keep your users safe! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.0 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.00791 · 55.8th percentile
Weakness
CWE-297 · Improper Validation of Certificate with Host Mismatch
Published
2020-05-07T20:15Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 07 MAY 20:15Z
    Improper Validation of Certificate with Host Mismatch in Java-WebSocket
    cvelistv5