CVE-2014-0809 in SimZip
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Gapless Player SimZip (aka Simple Zip Viewer) application before 1.2.1 for Android allows remote attackers to overwrite or create arbitrary files via a crafted filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0809 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Gapless Player SimZip Android application, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.2.1. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's file handling mechanisms and potentially execute unauthorized file operations on the affected device. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's archive extraction routines, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the software's file processing capabilities. The flaw is particularly concerning as it allows adversaries to overwrite existing files or create new ones in arbitrary locations within the device's file system, potentially compromising system integrity and user data confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability occurs when the SimZip application processes compressed archive files containing specially crafted filenames that include directory traversal sequences such as "../". When the application extracts these files without proper validation of the target paths, it allows the attacker to specify absolute or relative paths that bypass intended security boundaries. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector since it does not require physical access to the device or user interaction beyond the initial exploitation. The application's failure to sanitize filenames during decompression operations creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited regardless of the archive source or the user's awareness of the malicious content.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0809 extends beyond simple file manipulation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the Android environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, install malicious components, or create backdoor access points within the device's file system. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that could be exploited in various attack scenarios including malware distribution, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration operations. When considering the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1070 Indicator Removal on Host, as it enables adversaries to execute arbitrary code and modify system components. The exploitation of this flaw could lead to complete device compromise, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the application has elevated privileges within the Android security model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0809 primarily focus on updating to the patched version 1.2.1 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Security practitioners should also implement network-level controls to prevent the distribution of malicious archives to affected devices and consider application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of vulnerable applications. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected application across their device fleets and implement monitoring for suspicious file operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile applications, particularly regarding input validation and file system access controls. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of downloading and executing archives from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering or malicious web content. The remediation process should include verification of the patch installation and confirmation that the application properly validates all filenames during archive extraction processes.