CVE-2013-5654 in YingZhi Python Programming Language
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in YingZhi Python Programming Language v1.9 allows arbitrary anonymous uploads to the phone's storage
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5654 resides within the YingZhi Python Programming Language version 1.9 implementation, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized file operations on mobile devices. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of file upload mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security controls and gain unrestricted access to phone storage resources. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient permission checks within the file handling subsystem, allowing any anonymous user to execute file upload operations without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access control mechanisms that fail to verify the identity or privileges of users attempting to perform file operations. When the YingZhi Python environment processes file upload requests, it does not adequately validate whether the requesting entity possesses the necessary permissions to write to storage locations. This weakness creates a direct attack surface where remote or local adversaries can exploit the system by sending specially crafted upload requests that bypass normal security boundaries. The vulnerability essentially removes all restrictions on file creation and storage operations, enabling unrestricted access to the device's storage subsystem.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes mobile devices to significant security risks including data theft, malware installation, and persistent threat persistence. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious payloads such as trojans, keyloggers, or other harmful software directly to the device storage without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as these uploads can be used to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or modify system configurations. The vulnerability essentially transforms any user of the affected system into a potential threat actor with unrestricted write access to device storage.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories, indicating fundamental flaws in path validation and file access control implementations. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1078 (Valid Accounts), T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), and T1021.003 (Remote Services). The threat landscape surrounding this vulnerability demonstrates how mobile application frameworks can become attack vectors when proper input sanitization and access control mechanisms are absent or improperly implemented.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust authentication and authorization controls for all file operations, including mandatory user verification and privilege escalation checks. The system must enforce strict path validation and ensure that all file upload operations occur within designated secure directories with appropriate access controls. Additionally, implementing input sanitization mechanisms that validate file names, paths, and content types can prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security audits and code reviews should specifically target file handling operations to identify similar access control weaknesses. Updates to the YingZhi Python Programming Language framework should include comprehensive access control improvements and the implementation of secure file handling practices that prevent unauthorized storage operations regardless of user authentication status. Organizations should also consider network-level monitoring to detect anomalous file upload activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.