CVE-2014-1707 in Chrome OS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in CrosDisks in Google Chrome OS before 33.0.1750.152 has unspecified impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1707 represents a directory traversal flaw within the CrosDisks component of Google Chrome OS operating systems. This issue affects versions prior to 33.0.1750.152 and falls under the category of path traversal attacks that exploit improper input validation mechanisms. The CrosDisks service is responsible for managing disk operations and file system interactions within the Chrome OS environment, making it a critical component for system security. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature typically arise when applications fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, allowing attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file paths within the CrosDisks subsystem. Attackers can potentially manipulate file access requests by crafting malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. This flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially user information stored on the device. The unspecified impact and attack vectors in the original description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited in multiple ways depending on the specific implementation details and system configuration. The vulnerability likely resides in the way file system operations are processed within the Chrome OS environment, particularly when handling external storage devices or network file systems through the CrosDisks interface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Chrome OS devices as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or information disclosure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Chrome OS devices often serve as primary computing platforms for users in enterprise and educational environments where sensitive data may be present. The impact could range from data exfiltration to system compromise, depending on the specific files that become accessible through the traversal attack. Security researchers have classified this type of vulnerability under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This classification indicates that the vulnerability involves inadequate restrictions on file path access, allowing attackers to navigate beyond intended directories.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and credential access. Attackers may leverage this weakness to access system configuration files, user credentials, or other sensitive data that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as it could be combined with other exploits to achieve persistent access or escalate privileges within the system. Organizations using Chrome OS devices should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly given that Chrome OS devices are often deployed in environments where they may be physically accessible to unauthorized users. The remediation strategy should focus on implementing proper input validation, restricting file system access permissions, and ensuring timely deployment of security updates to address the directory traversal vulnerability in the CrosDisks component.