CVE-2014-9046 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
The OC_Util::getUrlContent function in ownCloud Server before 5.0.18, 6.x before 6.0.6, and 7.x before 7.0.3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a file:// protocol.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9046 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the ownCloud server software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.0.18, 6.0.6, and 7.0.3 across their respective release branches. This issue resides within the OC_Util::getUrlContent function which serves as a utility method for retrieving content from various sources including web URLs and local file paths. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the function's handling of file:// protocol requests, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server's filesystem. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of URL parameters passed to the function, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive data from the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through a classic path traversal attack vector where the file:// protocol is leveraged to access local filesystem resources without proper authorization checks. When the OC_Util::getUrlContent function processes a malicious file:// URL, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input path, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary local file locations. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of proper input validation and access control mechanisms that should normally prevent remote users from accessing system resources they should not be authorized to view, particularly when dealing with local file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9046 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other system artifacts that could facilitate further compromise. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to read system files such as /etc/passwd, configuration files containing database connection strings, or application source code that might reveal additional vulnerabilities. The remote nature of this attack vector means that adversaries do not require physical access to the server or local network privileges, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This weakness also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file discovery, and T1566, which encompasses credential access through various means including file system enumeration and exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected ownCloud server versions to the patched releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization for the OC_Util::getUrlContent function. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the ownCloud server and monitor for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The patching process should include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate file access functionality remains operational while preventing the malicious file:// protocol exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper access controls and monitoring for file system access, particularly around sensitive directories and configuration files. Security teams should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns and establish regular vulnerability assessment procedures to identify similar issues in other software components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in preventing unauthorized access to system resources, with the patched versions implementing proper checks to ensure that only authorized file access operations are permitted through the utility function.