CVE-2014-0803 in tetra filer free
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the tetra filer application 2.3.1 and earlier for Android 4.0.3, tetra filer free application 2.3.1 and earlier for Android 4.0.3, tetra filer application 1.5.1 and earlier for Android before 4.0.3, and tetra filer free application 1.5.1 and earlier for Android before 4.0.3 allows attackers to overwrite or create arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0803 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the tetra filer applications across multiple versions and Android platforms. This security weakness affects both the paid and free variants of the application, spanning from version 1.5.1 through 2.3.1 across different Android versions including 4.0.3 and earlier releases. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the file handling processes of these applications, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate file system operations beyond the intended directory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate file paths through unspecified vectors that likely involve crafted file names or directory references. When the tetra filer applications process user input for file operations, they fail to properly sanitize or validate the paths being accessed, allowing adversaries to construct malicious file paths that can traverse parent directories using sequences like "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the underlying Android file system permissions, potentially enabling attackers to overwrite critical system files or create malicious files in unauthorized locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise the integrity of the affected Android devices. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to overwrite system files, inject malicious code into the application's execution environment, or create backdoor files that persist across device reboots. The vulnerability affects multiple versions and Android platforms, indicating a widespread exposure across the tetra filer user base and potentially enabling coordinated attacks against various device configurations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to Android device security and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through application interfaces. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that tetra filer applications typically operate with elevated privileges for file system access, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges or compromise other applications running on the same device. The vulnerability's presence in both paid and free variants suggests that the underlying flaw exists in core application code rather than in specific feature implementations, making it more challenging to remediate without complete application rewrites or comprehensive security audits.
Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of the tetra filer applications, implementing network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized file access, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of affected devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in mobile applications, particularly those handling file system operations. Security professionals should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious file creation or modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security controls in mobile applications and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation mechanisms in file handling operations.