CVE-2014-2057 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ownCloud before 6.0.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2057 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting ownCloud versions prior to 6.0.2, exposing users to significant security risks through remote code execution capabilities. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a common weakness in web application security. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The unspecified attack vectors in the original description suggest that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple input validation points within the ownCloud platform, making it particularly challenging to secure against.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the ownCloud application framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access compromised content. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or direct network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with web-based applications. The impact extends beyond simple script execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites.
Operational implications of CVE-2014-2057 are severe for organizations relying on ownCloud for file sharing and collaboration services. The vulnerability creates persistent security exposure that can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive files, and potential compromise of entire user accounts. In enterprise settings where ownCloud serves as a critical collaboration platform, this vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks and provide attackers with access to confidential business information. The remote attack capability means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, without requiring local network access or specialized equipment. Organizations using affected versions may experience unauthorized access to user files, potential data exfiltration, and compromised user trust in the platform's security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2057 primarily involve immediate patching and upgrading to ownCloud version 6.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent XSS injection attacks. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including input validation, output encoding, and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or user workflows. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional protective layers against XSS attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a web application attack vector emphasizes the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all web-based applications to prevent exploitation.