CVE-2014-9466 in Open-xchange Appsuite
Summary
by MITRE
Open-Xchange (OX) AppSuite and Server before 7.4.2-rev42, 7.6.0 before 7.6.0-rev36, and 7.6.1 before 7.6.1-rev14 does not properly handle directory permissions, which allows remote authenticated users to read files via unspecified vectors, related to the "folder identifier."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9466 affects Open-Xchange AppSuite and Server versions prior to specific patches, creating a significant security weakness in directory permission handling mechanisms. This flaw exists within the folder identifier processing functionality of the email and collaboration platform, which is widely used in enterprise environments for managing digital communication and data storage. The vulnerability impacts multiple version lines including 7.4.2-rev42, 7.6.0-rev36, and 7.6.1-rev14, indicating a persistent issue in the software's access control implementation that required multiple patch releases to address properly.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of directory permissions during folder identifier processing, allowing authenticated remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and read files that should otherwise be restricted. This vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors related to folder identifier manipulation, suggesting that the flaw exists in how the system validates and processes folder references during file access operations. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and permission checking mechanisms within the application's core file handling routines, creating a path traversal or access control bypass condition that can be exploited by malicious users who have already established authentication credentials.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to organizations using Open-Xchange systems as it enables authenticated attackers to access sensitive data that should remain protected. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as compromised folder access could lead to exposure of confidential communications, user data, business documents, and potentially system configuration files that might reveal additional attack vectors. This vulnerability directly violates security principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement that are fundamental to maintaining information security in collaborative platforms.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches for versions 7.4.2-rev42, 7.6.0-rev36, and 7.6.1-rev14 to address the directory permission handling flaw. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review existing access controls and permissions within Open-Xchange environments to ensure that proper least privilege principles are enforced. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in the NIST cybersecurity framework. Additionally, this vulnerability may be leveraged as part of broader attack chains in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within networks or escalate their privileges to access additional system resources.