CVE-2014-0802 in ZIP with Pass Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the aokitaka ZIP with Pass application 4.5.7 and earlier, and ZIP with Pass Pro application 6.3.8 and earlier, for Android allows attackers to overwrite or create arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0802 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within mobile applications designed for Android platforms. This weakness specifically affects the aokitaka ZIP with Pass application version 4.5.7 and earlier, as well as the ZIP with Pass Pro application version 6.3.8 and earlier, creating a significant security risk for users who rely on these tools for file compression and password protection. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms within the application's archive extraction processes, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system through unspecified attack vectors that manipulate file paths during decompression operations.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the extraction path of compressed files, potentially allowing them to write data to arbitrary locations within the Android file system. This flaw operates at the application layer where the software fails to properly sanitize user-supplied file paths during ZIP archive decompression, directly violating security principles that mandate proper input validation and secure file handling practices. The vulnerability can be leveraged to overwrite existing system files or create malicious files in sensitive directories, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent malware installation. This weakness is categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through archive extraction.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0802 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized file access, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to place malicious executables or configuration files in system directories, potentially gaining elevated privileges or maintaining unauthorized access to affected devices. The vulnerability affects Android devices running vulnerable versions of the aokitaka applications, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly download compromised ZIP archives from untrusted sources. This weakness can be exploited through social engineering campaigns where attackers distribute maliciously crafted ZIP files that appear legitimate but contain payloads designed to exploit the directory traversal vulnerability during extraction. Organizations and individuals using these applications should immediately update to patched versions, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that could enable complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates from the vendor, as the flaw exists within the core file handling mechanisms of the affected software. Users should avoid downloading ZIP archives from untrusted sources and implement proper security awareness training to recognize potentially malicious file attachments. Network administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of vulnerable applications until proper patches are deployed. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file creation patterns in system directories, particularly during archive extraction operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, as the issue could have been prevented through comprehensive path sanitization and proper file access controls during decompression operations. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically enforce security policies and prevent the execution of vulnerable applications on corporate devices.