CVE-2013-2048 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
ownCloud before 5.0.6 does not properly check permissions, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary API commands via unspecified vectors. NOTE: this can be leveraged using CSRF to allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary API commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2048 affects ownCloud versions prior to 5.0.6 and represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of the web-based file synchronization and sharing platform. This issue stems from insufficient permission validation mechanisms within the application's API handling subsystem, creating a pathway for authenticated users to escalate their privileges and execute unauthorized commands. The vulnerability operates through a combination of inadequate access controls and potentially exploitable request processing logic that fails to properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the application's permission checking mechanisms that should normally validate whether an authenticated user possesses the necessary privileges to perform specific API operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted API requests that bypass normal authorization checks, allowing them to execute commands that would typically be restricted to administrators or users with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning because it can be leveraged through Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, where an attacker can trick authenticated users into performing malicious actions without their knowledge or consent. This CSRF vector significantly broadens the attack surface as it can be executed through social engineering techniques or by embedding malicious requests within compromised websites.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations relying on ownCloud for file storage and collaboration services. An authenticated attacker with minimal privileges could potentially gain access to sensitive data, modify file permissions, execute arbitrary code on the server, or perform administrative functions that compromise the entire system. The implications extend beyond individual account compromise to potential data breaches, unauthorized access to confidential information, and possible lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2013-2048 requires immediate patching of affected ownCloud installations to version 5.0.6 or later, which includes the necessary permission validation fixes. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as monitoring for unusual API activity patterns, enforcing strict access controls on API endpoints, and implementing CSRF protection mechanisms. Network segmentation and regular security audits can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the core authorization flaw by strengthening permission checking routines and ensuring that all API commands undergo proper validation before execution. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patching, as this vulnerability could have enabled persistent unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources.