CVE-2016-9467 in ownCloud Server
Summary
by MITRE
Nextcloud Server before 9.0.54 and 10.0.1 & ownCloud Server before 9.0.6 and 9.1.2 suffer from content spoofing in the files app. The location bar in the files app was not verifying the passed parameters. An attacker could craft an invalid link to a fake directory structure and use this to display an attacker-controlled error message to the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9467 affects Nextcloud Server versions prior to 9.0.54 and 10.0.1, as well as ownCloud Server versions before 9.0.6 and 9.1.2, representing a significant content spoofing flaw within the files application component. This security weakness stems from inadequate parameter validation mechanisms within the location bar functionality of the file management interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate user interactions with the system's file structure. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the absence of proper input sanitization and verification processes that should occur when processing user-provided parameters within the application's navigation system.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to construct specially crafted URLs that reference non-existent directory paths or manipulate existing directory structures in ways that would normally be prevented by proper access controls and validation mechanisms. When users click on these maliciously constructed links, the application fails to properly validate the parameters and instead displays attacker-controlled content that appears to originate from legitimate system paths. This creates a deceptive user experience where victims encounter what seems to be a genuine system error or directory structure, but is actually fabricated content designed to mislead or potentially compromise the user's trust in the application. The vulnerability specifically targets the client-side rendering of file paths and directory navigation elements, bypassing server-side validation checks that should prevent such manipulations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple deception, as it creates potential vectors for more sophisticated attacks including social engineering campaigns, phishing attempts, and user manipulation tactics that exploit the trust users place in the application's interface. Attackers can leverage this flaw to display misleading error messages that appear authentic, potentially convincing users to take actions that compromise their security or provide sensitive information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) conditions, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting, as it enables the execution of malicious content through crafted parameter manipulation. This weakness essentially allows an attacker to perform content spoofing attacks that can be particularly effective in user-facing applications where interface authenticity is critical for maintaining user confidence and security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9467 require immediate implementation of parameter validation and sanitization measures within the files application's location bar functionality. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of both Nextcloud and ownCloud servers, specifically versions 9.0.54 and 10.0.1 for Nextcloud, and 9.0.6 and 9.1.2 for ownCloud, which contain the necessary fixes to address the parameter verification gaps. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation for all user-provided parameters, establishing robust path validation mechanisms that verify the existence and legitimacy of directory structures before rendering them to users, and deploying content security policies that prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts within the application context. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect unusual patterns of parameter manipulation and establish user education programs to raise awareness about recognizing potentially malicious links that may exploit this vulnerability.