CVE-2016-7419 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in share.js in the gallery application in ownCloud Server before 9.0.4 and Nextcloud Server before 9.0.52 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted directory name.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7419 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw located within the share.js component of the gallery application in both ownCloud Server versions prior to 9.0.4 and Nextcloud Server versions prior to 9.0.52. This security weakness operates at the application layer and specifically targets the handling of directory names within the web interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized scripts against unsuspecting users. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, making it a prime example of unsafe data handling practices that can lead to widespread client-side exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of directory names when they are processed and displayed within the gallery application's user interface. When authenticated users create or manipulate directories with specially crafted names containing malicious script code, the application fails to properly escape or filter these inputs before rendering them in the browser context. This failure allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that executes within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that users with legitimate accounts can exploit this weakness to compromise other users within the same system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7419 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the context of the victim's session. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify gallery content, or even execute commands on behalf of the victim. The attack vector specifically targets the gallery application's share functionality, where directory names are displayed in user interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where users frequently share and organize files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables both session manipulation and code execution within victim environments.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of ownCloud or Nextcloud should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates to versions 9.0.4 or later for ownCloud and 9.0.52 or later for Nextcloud. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation measures at multiple layers including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security audits of file naming conventions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of creating directories with potentially malicious content, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering or by compromising legitimate user accounts.