CVE-2014-1973 in File Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the NextApp File Explorer application before 2.1.0.3 for Android allows remote attackers to overwrite or create arbitrary files via a crafted filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2018
The CVE-2014-1973 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the NextApp File Explorer Android application that existed prior to version 2.1.0.3. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22 which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file operations by crafting malicious filenames that can bypass normal file system access controls and potentially overwrite or create arbitrary files on the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing user-provided filenames. Attackers can construct specially formatted filenames that contain directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation patterns that allow them to navigate outside the intended directory structure. When the application processes these crafted filenames without proper validation, it can execute file operations that target locations outside the intended file system boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary file creation or overwriting of existing files.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for Android devices running affected versions of the NextApp File Explorer application. The ability to overwrite arbitrary files could potentially allow attackers to modify system files, replace legitimate applications with malicious variants, or corrupt critical data structures. Additionally, the capability to create arbitrary files could enable attackers to plant malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or manipulate the application's behavior in ways that compromise user data and device integrity. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile environments where applications have elevated privileges and can directly access file system resources.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is remote, meaning that malicious actors can exploit it without requiring physical access to the device or local network privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various remote communication channels such as web services, email attachments, or malicious websites that prompt users to interact with the vulnerable application. The exploitation process typically involves tricking users into downloading or opening crafted files that contain malicious filenames, which then trigger the vulnerable code path in the NextApp File Explorer application.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to NextApp File Explorer version 2.1.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls and application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized access to potentially vulnerable applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in mobile applications, particularly when handling file system operations that involve user-provided data. This case study aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute malicious commands through manipulated file operations, and T1078 which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credential use in the context of privilege escalation through file system manipulation.