CVE-2014-9048 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
The documents application in ownCloud Server 6.x before 6.0.6 and 7.x before 7.0.3 allows remote attackers to bypass the password-protection for shared files via the API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9048 affects ownCloud Server versions 6.x prior to 6.0.6 and 7.x prior to 7.0.3, specifically within the documents application component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the intended access controls for shared files, potentially allowing unauthorized users to bypass password protection mechanisms through API interactions. The vulnerability resides in the application's handling of shared file permissions and authentication checks when accessed via the application programming interface.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient validation of authentication credentials and access control checks within the API endpoints responsible for managing shared documents. When users attempt to access password-protected shared files through the API, the system fails to properly verify that the requesting user has valid authorization credentials before granting access. This authentication bypass occurs because the API does not adequately enforce the password protection mechanisms that should normally be required to access restricted shared content, creating a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent intended security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to confidential documents that were explicitly protected with passwords, undermining the trust model of the ownCloud platform. The vulnerability affects any user who has shared files with password protection enabled, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on ownCloud for document management and collaboration. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or network to exploit this vulnerability, making it especially dangerous in cloud environments where network exposure is common.
Organizations using affected versions of ownCloud should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions 6.0.6 and 7.0.3 respectively, which contain proper authentication checks and access control enforcement. Additionally, administrators should review and audit existing shared file permissions to identify any potentially compromised access, while implementing network-level restrictions to limit API access to trusted sources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering, as it enables unauthorized access through bypassed authentication mechanisms. Security monitoring should focus on API access logs for unusual patterns of shared file access attempts, particularly those occurring outside normal business hours or from unexpected geographic locations.