CVE-2016-1499 in ownCloud
Summary
by MITRE
ownCloud Server before 8.0.10, 8.1.x before 8.1.5, and 8.2.x before 8.2.2 allow remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information from a directory listing and possibly cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via the force parameter to index.php/apps/files/ajax/scan.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-1499 represents a significant security flaw in ownCloud Server versions prior to specific patch releases. This issue affects multiple version streams including 8.0.10, 8.1.5, and 8.2.2, creating a widespread impact across the ownCloud ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the file scanning functionality of the platform, which operates through the index.php endpoint with the apps/files/ajax/scan.php script. The flaw specifically relates to how the system handles the force parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory traversal and file system access patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated remote access, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to the ownCloud system. However, once authenticated, the attacker can manipulate the force parameter to trigger directory listing operations that reveal sensitive file system information. This information disclosure can include directory structures, file names, and potentially sensitive metadata that could aid in further attacks. The vulnerability also introduces potential for denial of service conditions through CPU consumption, as the malicious scanning operations can cause excessive processing demands on the server resources. The underlying flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and CWE-400, which covers unspecified denial of service conditions. This vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in the application's handling of user-supplied input within file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1499 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to comprehensive system reconnaissance by attackers who can map the file structure and potentially identify sensitive data repositories. The denial of service component creates additional operational risks, as sustained exploitation can render the system unusable for legitimate users. Organizations using affected ownCloud versions face significant risks including data exposure, service disruption, and potential escalation to more severe attacks. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where ownCloud serves as a primary file sharing and collaboration platform, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to gain insights into organizational data structures and potentially access sensitive corporate information.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected ownCloud installations to the specified version releases that contain the necessary fixes. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitor authentication logs for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the vulnerable endpoints, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been fully resolved without introducing new issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1499 (Endpoint Denial of Service) techniques, highlighting the reconnaissance and disruption capabilities that attackers can leverage through this flaw. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect unusual scanning activities and potential exploitation attempts.