CVE-2014-1975 in Unzipper
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the R-Company Unzipper application 1.0.1 and earlier for Android allows remote attackers to overwrite or create arbitrary files via a crafted filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The CVE-2014-1975 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the R-Company Unzipper Android application version 1.0.1 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during file extraction processes, allowing malicious actors to manipulate archive filenames and potentially execute arbitrary file operations on the target device. The flaw specifically affects how the application handles filenames containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, which are commonly used to navigate file system hierarchies. When processing compressed archives, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the filenames contained within the archive, creating an opportunity for attackers to exploit this weakness and gain unauthorized access to the file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize filenames during the decompression process. Attackers can craft malicious zip files containing filenames that include directory traversal sequences, enabling them to write files to arbitrary locations on the device's file system. This flaw essentially allows remote attackers to bypass normal file system access controls and potentially overwrite existing system files or create malicious files in sensitive directories. The vulnerability operates at the file system level and can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond downloading and opening the malicious archive. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1975 is significant and multifaceted, as it can lead to complete system compromise through various attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, install malware, or create backdoor access points on infected devices. The vulnerability particularly affects Android devices where the application is installed, potentially allowing attackers to modify application data, system configurations, or even replace core system components. Additionally, the ability to create arbitrary files means that attackers can place malicious executables or configuration files in locations that the application or system services will subsequently execute, leading to persistent compromise. This vulnerability also impacts data confidentiality and integrity, as attackers can read sensitive files from the device or modify them to inject malicious content.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish footholds within the Android environment and subsequently move laterally through the system. The vulnerability's impact on file system operations places it within the ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code and T1070 for indicator removal. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of the R-Company Unzipper application, which would include proper input validation and sanitization of filenames during decompression operations. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level restrictions to prevent download of suspicious archives and deploy mobile device management solutions that can monitor and control application behavior. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation in mobile applications and the potential for seemingly simple flaws to result in significant security breaches.