CVE-2013-2047 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
The login page (aka index.php) in ownCloud before 5.0.6 does not disable the autocomplete setting for the password parameter, which makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to guess the password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-2047 represents a significant security flaw in the ownCloud web application authentication system. This issue affects versions prior to 5.0.6 and specifically targets the login page implementation where the password field lacks proper security configurations. The flaw manifests in the absence of autocomplete attribute disabling for the password input field, creating an exploitable condition that compromises user authentication security. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure credential handling and represents a failure to implement basic web security best practices.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the login page HTML form renders the password input field without explicitly setting the autocomplete attribute to "off" or "new-password". This allows web browsers to automatically suggest previously entered passwords or store credentials in their built-in password managers. When an attacker gains physical proximity to a user's device and the user has previously logged into the ownCloud system, the browser's autocomplete feature can present stored credentials, making password guessing significantly easier. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-627, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements in a web page, and more specifically to CWE-384, which covers session management vulnerabilities. The issue creates an attack surface where physical access combined with browser-based credential storage can lead to unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential guessing, as it creates a vector for privilege escalation attacks in environments where physical security is compromised. Attackers with proximity access can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user accounts without requiring complex attack vectors or extensive reconnaissance. This is particularly concerning in shared office environments, public computing facilities, or scenarios where users may leave their devices unattended. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as a credential access technique, specifically related to "Brute Force / Password Guessing" and "Credential Dumping" methods. Organizations using vulnerable versions of ownCloud face increased risk of unauthorized account access, potential data breaches, and compromised user privacy when this vulnerability remains unaddressed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper HTML form attributes to disable browser autocomplete functionality for password fields. The recommended solution requires modifying the login page template to include autocomplete="off" or autocomplete="new-password" attributes on the password input elements. Additionally, system administrators should ensure all users are upgraded to ownCloud version 5.0.6 or later where this vulnerability has been patched. Security configurations should also include regular security audits of web application forms to verify proper implementation of autocomplete controls. Organizations should implement additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication to provide defense in depth against potential exploitation of this weakness. The fix aligns with security standards outlined in OWASP Top Ten 2017, particularly category A07: Identification and Authentication Failures, and represents a fundamental security control that should be implemented across all web applications handling sensitive user credentials.