CVE-2013-2042 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ownCloud before 4.0.15, 4.5.x before 4.5.11, and 5.0.x before 5.0.6 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the url parameter to (1) apps/bookmarks/ajax/addBookmark.php or (2) apps/bookmarks/ajax/editBookmark.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-2042 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting the ownCloud file sharing platform across multiple version ranges. This vulnerability resides within the bookmarks application component of ownCloud, specifically in two key script files that handle bookmark management operations. The flaw allows authenticated users to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content through the url parameter, creating a persistent security risk for all users within the system. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 4.0.15, 4.5.11, and 5.0.6, indicating a widespread impact across the platform's release history and highlighting the longevity of the security flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the bookmark management functions. When authenticated users submit bookmark data through the addBookmark.php or editBookmark.php endpoints, the url parameter is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered back to other users. This failure in input sanitization creates a classic XSS attack vector where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers Exploitation for Client Execution through web-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and access sensitive user data. An authenticated attacker could craft malicious bookmark entries containing JavaScript payloads that would execute whenever other users view or interact with these bookmarks. This capability could lead to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the system through stolen user credentials. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once a malicious bookmark is created, it continues to affect users until the bookmark is manually removed or the system is updated to a patched version. The attack requires only authentication to the ownCloud system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised user accounts.
Organizations using affected versions of ownCloud should immediately implement the available patches and updates to mitigate this vulnerability. The remediation process involves upgrading to versions 4.0.15, 4.5.11, or 5.0.6 respectively, depending on the current system version. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation measures at the application level, including proper HTML escaping and sanitization of all user-supplied data before rendering. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious bookmark creation patterns and unauthorized script injections. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices, particularly in web applications handling user-generated content, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in collaborative platforms.