CVE-2014-7954 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the doSendObjectInfo method in frameworks/av/media/mtp/MtpServer.cpp in Android 4.4.4 allows physically proximate attackers with a direct connection to the target Android device to upload files outside of the sdcard via a .. (dot dot) in a name parameter of an MTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-7954 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Android Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) implementation that affects Android 4.4.4 systems. This vulnerability resides in the doSendObjectInfo method located in frameworks/av/media/mtp/MtpServer.cpp, which governs how Android devices handle file transfers when connected to computers via MTP. The flaw enables attackers who have physical proximity to a target device and can establish a direct connection to execute unauthorized file operations outside the intended storage boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the MTP server implementation where the name parameter of MTP requests is not properly sanitized before being processed. When an attacker crafts a malicious MTP request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter, the system fails to properly resolve these paths, allowing the attacker to navigate outside the designated sdcard storage boundaries. This occurs because the MTP server implementation does not adequately validate or sanitize the path components provided in the name parameter, leading to improper path resolution that can result in arbitrary file creation or modification outside the intended storage directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users of Android 4.4.4 devices, particularly in environments where physical security is compromised or where devices may be connected to untrusted computers. Attackers with physical proximity can exploit this vulnerability to upload malicious files to system directories, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, system compromise, or data exfiltration. The attack vector requires only a direct connection to the target device, making it particularly dangerous in public or shared environments where users might unknowingly connect their devices to potentially malicious computers. This vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal file system access controls and write files to locations where they would typically not have permission to access, potentially enabling privilege escalation or system corruption.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of path traversal attacks that have been documented across numerous platforms and applications. The attack pattern follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and control communication, as well as T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate mitigation through system updates to newer Android versions that address this vulnerability, while also implementing network security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices. Additional mitigations include disabling MTP when not in use, implementing device encryption, and establishing strict physical security policies for mobile devices in enterprise environments to prevent unauthorized connections and potential exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in mobile operating system components, particularly in protocols that handle file transfers between devices. The flaw highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system-level components that interface with external devices and the critical role of proper path resolution mechanisms in preventing unauthorized file system access.