CVE-2009-0244 in Windows Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the OBEX FTP Service in the Microsoft Bluetooth stack in Windows Mobile 6 Professional, and probably Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC and 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition, allows remote authenticated users to list arbitrary directories, and create or read arbitrary files, via a .. (dot dot) in a pathname. NOTE: this can be leveraged for code execution by writing to a Startup folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0244 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the OBEX FTP Service component of Microsoft's Bluetooth stack implementation for Windows Mobile devices. This security weakness specifically affects Windows Mobile 6 Professional and is likely present in Windows Mobile 5.0 versions for both Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the OBEX (Object Exchange) protocol implementation that governs file transfer operations over Bluetooth connections. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating pathname parameters through the use of double dot sequences, commonly known as directory traversal sequences, which are typically used to navigate up directory levels in file systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of pathnames within OBEX FTP operations, where authenticated remote users can leverage the .. (dot dot) sequence to traverse directory structures beyond the intended boundaries. This allows attackers to access arbitrary directories on the device file system, enabling both read and write operations to files outside of normal access controls. The vulnerability specifically affects the OBEX File Transfer Profile implementation, which is part of the broader Bluetooth stack that facilitates file sharing between mobile devices and computers. When combined with the ability to write files to system directories, particularly those that execute on boot or startup, attackers can potentially achieve code execution privileges on the affected device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it creates a pathway for persistent malicious code deployment. The ability to write files to startup folders or similar system locations enables attackers to establish persistence mechanisms that survive device reboots. This capability transforms a simple directory traversal vulnerability into a potential full system compromise vector, as attackers can deploy malware or backdoor applications that automatically execute when the device powers on. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers typically need valid user credentials or a Bluetooth pairing to initiate the attack, though the severity remains high as the attack surface includes system-level file operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and represents a significant weakness in the mobile platform's security architecture, particularly concerning the Bluetooth stack's handling of file system operations.
The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread use of Windows Mobile devices in enterprise environments and the potential for attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate data through compromised devices. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage legitimate user accounts to execute malicious code through the OBEX service. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services, enforcing strict access controls for Bluetooth pairing, and applying security patches when available. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in mobile operating systems, particularly in protocol implementations that handle file system operations and user input validation. Network administrators should also consider monitoring Bluetooth traffic for suspicious OBEX operations and implementing device management policies that restrict file system access permissions for mobile devices connecting to corporate networks.