CVE-2014-1665 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ownCloud before 6.0.1 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the filename of an uploaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2025
The CVE-2014-1665 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in ownCloud versions prior to 6.0.1, specifically targeting the file upload functionality within the web interface. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-79, which identifies improper neutralization of input during web output, making it a classic example of client-side injection attack vector. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to exploit the system by manipulating file names during upload processes, thereby creating a persistent threat that can affect all users interacting with the compromised system. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data within the filename parameter, which fails to properly filter or escape potentially malicious content before it is rendered in the web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user uploads a file with a maliciously crafted filename containing embedded script tags or other HTML content. When other users view the file listing or interact with the uploaded file, the malicious code executes within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack requires only authentication privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and output encoding practices, where the system assumes that user-provided filenames are safe without proper sanitization before storage and display. This weakness is particularly concerning in collaborative environments where multiple users access shared file repositories, as the malicious payload can affect any user who views the compromised file listing.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1665 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access patterns within the ownCloud environment. Successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation scenarios where attackers manipulate file metadata or access control settings, and the vulnerability can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the broader attack chain defined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and persistence categories. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risks including data exfiltration, unauthorized access to sensitive files, and potential compromise of the entire file sharing infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location with valid credentials, making it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1665 require immediate deployment of ownCloud version 6.0.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes strict filtering before being stored or rendered in web interfaces. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, enforcing strict filename validation that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters, and conducting regular security audits of file upload mechanisms. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual upload patterns or file naming conventions that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security patches as part of a comprehensive vulnerability management program, aligning with industry best practices outlined in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-128 and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management.