CVE-2013-2045 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in lib/db.php in ownCloud Server 5.0.x before 5.0.6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The CVE-2013-2045 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the ownCloud Server 5.0.x series, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.0.6. This vulnerability resides within the lib/db.php file, which serves as a core database abstraction layer for the ownCloud platform. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects a fundamental component of the database interaction layer, making it a prime target for exploitation. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack paths could potentially trigger the vulnerability, complicating defensive measures and increasing the attack surface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses that occur when user-provided data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. In the context of ownCloud, this flaw likely stems from improper input validation or inadequate query preparation mechanisms within the database abstraction layer. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authenticated access, which significantly reduces the attack requirements compared to unauthenticated exploits. This authentication requirement means that attackers must first compromise valid user credentials or gain access to legitimate accounts, but once achieved, they can leverage the SQL injection to escalate privileges and extract sensitive data from the database.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on ownCloud Server 5.0.x for file synchronization and sharing services. The potential for arbitrary SQL command execution opens pathways for data exfiltration, database manipulation, and privilege escalation attacks. Attackers could potentially access user credentials, personal files, and system configuration data stored within the database. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential service disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. Organizations using vulnerable versions face increased risk of insider threats and external attacks, as the vulnerability affects the core database functionality that supports all user operations within the platform.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2013-2045 involves immediate deployment of the patched version 5.0.6 or subsequent releases that address the SQL injection vulnerability in the database abstraction layer. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and implement mandatory updates across all environments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in application development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential harvesting through application vulnerabilities. Organizations should review their software supply chain processes and implement automated patch management systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting other critical components in the future.