CVE-2020-37086 in Easy Transfer
Summary
by MITRE • 02/04/2026
Easy Transfer 1.7 iOS mobile application contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows remote attackers to access unauthorized file system paths without authentication. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating path parameters in GET and POST requests to list or download sensitive system files and inject malicious scripts into application parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2026
The CVE-2020-37086 vulnerability resides within the Easy Transfer 1.7 iOS mobile application, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that fundamentally compromises the application's file system security boundaries. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied path parameters received through HTTP GET and POST requests, creating an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate these parameters to access arbitrary files within the device's file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely and navigate through the file system to access sensitive data that should remain protected. When attackers manipulate path parameters, they can traverse beyond the intended application directories and access system files, configuration data, user credentials, or other confidential information stored on the device. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates without requiring any authentication credentials, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to mobile device contents. Additionally, the ability to inject malicious scripts through application parameters extends the attack surface beyond simple file access, potentially enabling code execution or further compromise of the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-37086 extends beyond immediate data theft to encompass potential device compromise and broader security implications for users of the affected application. Mobile devices running the vulnerable Easy Transfer 1.7 application become susceptible to attackers who can enumerate directory structures, extract sensitive files, and potentially establish persistent access points through script injection techniques. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, as the application fails to implement adequate sanitization of user inputs before processing file system operations. The attack vector operates through standard web protocols, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise and potentially enabling large-scale automated exploitation against affected devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-37086 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future application development. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or properly encode any path traversal sequences such as '../' or '..\\' in user-supplied parameters. The application should enforce strict directory boundaries using techniques like canonicalization of file paths, implementation of allowlists for permitted file operations, and proper access control enforcement. Security best practices dictate that all file system operations should occur within predefined safe directories, with no user input directly influencing path resolution. Additionally, the implementation of proper error handling and logging mechanisms will aid in detecting and responding to exploitation attempts, while adherence to mobile security frameworks and regular security testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in mobile application development, particularly when handling file system operations and user-supplied data.