CVE-2014-1969 in SD Card Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the apps4u@android SD Card Manager application before 20140224 for Android allows attackers to overwrite or create arbitrary files via a crafted filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1969 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the apps4u@android SD Card Manager application ecosystem. This security weakness specifically affects versions prior to the 20140224 release and operates by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate file operations through carefully crafted filenames that bypass normal security boundaries. Such vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is classified as a path traversal or directory traversal vulnerability. The fundamental issue lies in the application's inability to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating an attack surface where adversaries can manipulate the intended file paths.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker constructs a malicious filename that contains directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. When the vulnerable application processes this crafted input, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the filename before performing file operations, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy and access or modify files outside of the intended directory structure. This weakness specifically impacts the application's SD Card management functionality, where legitimate file operations are performed on external storage devices. The attack vector typically involves the application's file creation or modification routines, where it accepts user input for filenames without proper security checks, leading to potential arbitrary file overwrite or creation capabilities. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, which are fundamental security requirements defined in various security frameworks and standards.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1969 extends beyond simple file system manipulation to potentially enable more severe security consequences including unauthorized data access, data corruption, and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into application components, or access sensitive user data stored on the SD card. The vulnerability's exploitation capability allows for persistent access patterns since attackers can create or modify files in locations that may be executed by the application or system processes. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability also aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence through file system manipulation. The flaw creates opportunities for attackers to establish backdoors or maintain access to compromised devices through manipulated file system entries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1969 focus primarily on input validation and proper file path handling within the application. The most effective remediation involves implementing strict input sanitization procedures that validate all user-supplied filenames against a whitelist of acceptable characters and patterns. The application should enforce proper path resolution mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed as part of file operations. Security measures should include implementing proper file system access controls, using secure coding practices for file handling operations, and ensuring that all file system interactions occur within designated safe directories. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on file handling routines are essential for identifying similar weaknesses in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper input validation and secure coding practices are critical components of any comprehensive security strategy, particularly in mobile application development environments where user interaction with file systems is common.