CVE-2012-0322 in ES File Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The EStrongs ES File Explorer application 1.6.0.2 through 1.6.1.1 for Android does not properly restrict access, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via vectors involving an unspecified function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2018
The CVE-2012-0322 vulnerability affects the EStrongs ES File Explorer application version 1.6.0.2 through 1.6.1.1 on Android devices, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security of file operations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing improper access restriction mechanisms that allow unauthorized data access. The flaw manifests through an unspecified function that fails to properly validate or restrict file access operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to bypass normal security controls and access arbitrary files on the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly enforce file access controls within its file explorer functionality. When users interact with the application's file browsing or management features, the unspecified function responsible for handling file operations does not adequately verify the legitimacy of access requests. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that circumvent normal file system permissions and access protected files, including system files, personal documents, and sensitive data stored on the device. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the device without requiring physical access or local privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0322 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security model that could enable broader exploitation. Attackers can potentially access sensitive information including personal documents, application data, and system configuration files that may contain credentials or other confidential data. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and proper file system access controls, creating opportunities for data exfiltration, privacy violations, and potential escalation to more serious security compromises. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used file explorer application amplifies its impact, as it affects users who rely on the application for routine file management operations.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains. The flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized file access operations that could lead to information disclosure and further compromise of the affected device. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment for Android applications, particularly those handling file system operations. The lack of proper input validation and access control enforcement in the application's core functionality creates a persistent security risk that requires immediate remediation through application updates or alternative security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0322 should focus on implementing proper access control mechanisms and input validation within the application's file handling functions. Organizations should ensure that all file access operations include appropriate validation checks and that the application enforces strict access controls based on user permissions and file system security contexts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper security testing for mobile applications, particularly those handling file system operations. Users should immediately update to the latest version of the ES File Explorer application where this vulnerability has been addressed, while system administrators should monitor for similar access control flaws in other mobile applications and implement appropriate network-level controls to limit potential exploitation.