CVE-2014-2047 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
Session fixation vulnerability in ownCloud before 6.0.2, when PHP is configured to accept session parameters through a GET request, allows remote attackers to hijack web sessions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The session fixation vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2047 affects ownCloud versions prior to 6.0.2 and represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of web authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability arises from improper session management when PHP is configured to accept session parameters through GET requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the authentication flow. The flaw enables remote attackers to hijack active web sessions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data within the ownCloud environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly regenerate session identifiers upon successful authentication. When PHP is configured to accept session parameters from GET requests, the system becomes susceptible to session fixation attacks where an attacker can establish a known session ID and then trick a user into using that same session ID after authentication. This creates a scenario where the attacker can maintain access to the user's session even after the user has authenticated, effectively bypassing the authentication mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of web application security, specifically targeting the session management component that should ensure user identity separation and access control.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2047 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete account compromise and potential data breaches within the ownCloud infrastructure. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can not only access user files and folders but may also manipulate shared resources, modify settings, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The attack vector remains unspecified in the CVE description, but typically involves the attacker initiating a session, obtaining a session ID, and then persuading or forcing a victim to use the same session ID after authentication. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-384, which specifically addresses session fixation issues, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1563.002 for credential access through session hijacking.
Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of ownCloud should prioritize immediate patching to version 6.0.2 or later, which includes proper session regeneration mechanisms. Additional mitigations include configuring PHP to disable session parameter acceptance through GET requests, implementing proper session management practices such as secure cookie attributes, and monitoring for unusual session behavior. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and session monitoring tools to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper session management in web applications and serves as a reminder of the need for regular security updates and configuration reviews to maintain robust authentication security controls.