CVE-2013-0298 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ownCloud 4.5.x before 4.5.7 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) a crafted iCalendar file to the calendar application, the (2) dir or (3) file parameter to apps/files_pdfviewer/viewer.php, or the (4) mountpoint parameter to /apps/files_external/addMountPoint.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0298 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting ownCloud versions 4.5.x prior to 4.5.7. This vulnerability exposes the cloud storage platform to remote code execution risks through multiple attack vectors within its core applications. The flaw specifically targets the calendar application's handling of iCalendar files and several file management endpoints, creating multiple entry points for malicious actors to inject harmful web scripts into the system. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes it as a cross-site scripting weakness, where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious content that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through four distinct methods that leverage different components of the ownCloud platform. First, attackers can craft malicious iCalendar files that when processed by the calendar application, execute arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser. Second, the dir parameter in the apps/files_pdfviewer/viewer.php endpoint allows injection attacks when handling directory paths. Third, the file parameter in the same viewer.php script provides another vector for script injection. Finally, the mountpoint parameter in the apps/files_external/addMountPoint.php endpoint creates a direct path for attackers to inject malicious content into the external storage configuration system. Each of these attack vectors demonstrates a common pattern of insufficient input validation and output encoding in web applications, allowing malicious payloads to bypass security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the ownCloud environment. When users view maliciously crafted calendar files or navigate to compromised file paths, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, access sensitive data, or even execute commands with the privileges of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of affected ownCloud installations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring specific user interaction beyond normal system usage. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising Confidentiality through data exposure, Integrity through potential data manipulation, and Availability through possible service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0298 require immediate patching of affected ownCloud installations to version 4.5.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input filtering mechanisms that validate and sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for file uploads and URL parameters. Network administrators should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, while security teams should establish monitoring protocols for unusual file upload activities and calendar synchronization patterns. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerabilities have been properly addressed without introducing new issues. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources and avoiding suspicious calendar invitations or file sharing requests. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework categories related to web application security and command execution vulnerabilities.