CVE-2017-15309 in iReader App
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei iReader app before 8.0.2.301 has a path traversal vulnerability due to insufficient validation on file storage paths. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to store downloaded malicious files in an arbitrary directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15309 affects Huawei iReader mobile application versions prior to 8.0.2.301, representing a critical path traversal flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes. This weakness resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied paths during file storage operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate file destination locations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes downloaded content without sufficient validation of the intended storage paths, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary directories for file placement through crafted input sequences.
From a technical perspective, the flaw operates as a classic path traversal vulnerability where the application's file management system does not adequately filter or validate the absolute or relative paths provided during file operations. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file storage behavior by injecting directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that can navigate outside the intended storage boundaries. The vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The attack vector typically involves an attacker initiating a download operation through the iReader application while simultaneously providing malicious path specifications that bypass the application's intended file storage restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file placement manipulation, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and escalation opportunities within the device's file system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can place malicious files in system directories or other sensitive locations, potentially enabling code execution, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile environments where applications often have elevated privileges and access to user data, making the potential for system compromise significant. This flaw aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering techniques related to persistence through file system manipulation and privilege escalation via malicious file placement.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-15309 requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed through standard mobile application attack methodologies, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly download content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate file storage functionality but also represents a broader security weakness in the application's input validation architecture. Organizations and users should consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities within mobile ecosystems, where the attack surface is often more constrained yet more critical due to the personal nature of mobile device data and the potential for remote exploitation. Remediation efforts should focus on implementing proper path validation, using secure coding practices for file operations, and ensuring that all file storage paths are properly sanitized before processing to prevent unauthorized directory traversal operations.