CVE-2015-2966 in Explorer+ File Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Droidware UK Explorer+ File Manager application before 2.3.3 for Android allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2019
The CVE-2015-2966 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Droidware UK Explorer+ File Manager application affecting versions prior to 2.3.3 on Android platforms. This 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 flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the application's file handling mechanisms and write arbitrary files to locations outside the intended directory structure, potentially compromising the entire Android device's file system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file manager's operations. Attackers can manipulate file paths through unspecified vectors that likely involve crafted file names or directory references that bypass the application's security controls. The vulnerability's remote nature means that malicious actors can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications frequently handle user data and system resources. This type of vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's privilege separation and access control mechanisms, allowing unauthorized file system modifications that could lead to persistent malware installation or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2966 extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it creates potential for more severe security compromises within the Android ecosystem. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to install malicious applications, modify system files, or gain persistent access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability particularly affects mobile device security since file managers are frequently used to manage personal and corporate data, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to establish footholds within mobile environments. This flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the ability to write arbitrary files to execute malicious code or establish persistence mechanisms.
Organizations and users should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to Droidware UK Explorer+ version 2.3.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce application security policies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in mobile applications that handle file system operations. Additionally, users should avoid downloading applications from untrusted sources and maintain regular updates to ensure they have the latest security patches. The incident underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing for mobile applications, particularly those with elevated file system permissions, and demonstrates how seemingly simple vulnerabilities can create significant attack vectors in mobile computing environments.