CVE-2017-15310 in iReader App
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei iReader app before 8.0.2.301 has an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability due to the lack of input validation. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to delete specific files from the SD card.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15310 represents a critical security flaw in Huawei's iReader mobile application affecting versions prior to 8.0.2.301. This arbitrary file deletion vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, creating a dangerous attack surface that allows malicious actors to manipulate the device's storage system. The flaw specifically targets the SD card storage, enabling unauthorized file removal operations that can potentially compromise user data integrity and system functionality.
This security weakness manifests through the application's failure to properly validate user inputs when processing file operations, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as legitimate file deletion commands. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the Android operating system environment, exploiting the lack of proper sanitization and validation of file paths and names passed to the file system APIs. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The issue demonstrates characteristics of CWE-77, which encompasses command injection vulnerabilities, as the unvalidated inputs can be leveraged to execute unintended file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks targeting sensitive user data stored on the SD card. An attacker with malicious intent could exploit this weakness to remove critical application files, personal documents, photos, or other stored data, potentially leading to complete data loss or system instability. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it operates within the application's own execution context, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various attack vectors including malicious file sharing, compromised app installations, or social engineering tactics. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many users store valuable personal and business data on SD cards, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to maximize data compromise impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15310 should prioritize immediate application updates to version 8.0.2.301 or later, which incorporates proper input validation mechanisms and file path sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic application updates and regular security assessments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1070.004 (Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion) where adversaries exploit application weaknesses to achieve persistent file manipulation capabilities. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous file system activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection measures should include behavioral analysis to identify suspicious file deletion operations. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on mobile application security controls, particularly examining input validation mechanisms and file system access controls within mobile applications that interact with external storage devices.