CVE-2014-5319 in SLFileManager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the S-Link SLFileManager application 1.2.5 and earlier for Android allows remote attackers to write to files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2019
The CVE-2014-5319 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the S-Link SLFileManager Android application version 1.2.5 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks that exploit improper input validation mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file system access patterns. The flaw specifically affects the application's handling of file operations within its file manager functionality, creating potential pathways for unauthorized file system modifications. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications often have elevated privileges and direct access to device storage resources. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file paths and operations within the SLFileManager application's codebase. Attackers can potentially leverage unspecified vectors to manipulate file write operations, enabling them to place malicious content in arbitrary locations within the device's file system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify or overwrite critical system files, application data, or user documents. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple code paths within the application could be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly challenging to fully assess and mitigate. This weakness represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture, where input validation fails to properly restrict file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5319 poses significant risks to Android device users and organizations relying on the affected SLFileManager application. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the device or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile threat landscapes. Successful exploitation could lead to persistent malware installation, data corruption, privilege escalation, or complete device compromise. The vulnerability's nature means that attackers could potentially overwrite system applications, modify configuration files, or inject malicious code that executes with the application's privileges. This creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt normal device operations. The vulnerability's presence in mobile applications also raises concerns about the broader ecosystem security implications, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for further attacks within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5319 should focus on immediate application updates and comprehensive security hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to SLFileManager versions that address this vulnerability, as the original affected versions represent an unacceptable security risk. Security controls should include implementing proper input validation for all file system operations, enforcing strict path validation mechanisms, and applying the principle of least privilege to file system access. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file system activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing commands through various interfaces, and T1074, which focuses on data staging through file system access. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor application behavior to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other mobile applications within the enterprise environment.