CVE-2014-1970 in ES File Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the ES File Explorer File Manager application before 3.0.4 for Android allows remote attackers to overwrite or create arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The CVE-2014-1970 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ES File Explorer File Manager application for Android systems. This vulnerability existed in versions prior to 3.0.4 and enabled remote attackers to exploit the application's file handling mechanisms to overwrite or create arbitrary files on the target device. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper file path resolution within the application's core functionality, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file operations through specially crafted requests that bypass normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the application's failure to properly sanitize user inputs when processing file operations. Attackers could construct malicious file paths that traverse directory structures beyond the intended scope, enabling them to access or modify files outside the application's designated storage areas. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level, allowing attackers to manipulate critical system files or inject malicious content into the device's storage.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1970 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code through file manipulation. This vulnerability could enable attackers to install malware, modify system configurations, or compromise user data stored within the application's file management environment. The attack surface is particularly wide given that ES File Explorer was widely distributed and used across various Android devices, making numerous systems potentially vulnerable to this type of exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers could exploit it without requiring physical access to the device, significantly increasing the attack vector and potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates to version 3.0.4 or later, which contain proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive application security policies that restrict file system access permissions and monitor for unauthorized file modifications. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could leverage the file manipulation capabilities to execute malicious commands through compromised files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns and deploy mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatically update vulnerable applications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other file management applications and ensure comprehensive protection against directory traversal attacks.