CVE-2018-3776 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-3776 was published on August 12, 2018, and affects Nextcloud Server versions prior to 12.0.3 and 11.0.5. The vulnerability lies in the improper input validation, potentially allowing attackers to evade audit logging.

Understanding CVE-2018-3776

This CVE highlights a security issue in Nextcloud Server that could lead to unauthorized activities going unnoticed due to a lack of proper input validation.

What is CVE-2018-3776?

The vulnerability in CVE-2018-3776 stems from the absence of a correct input validator in earlier versions of Nextcloud Server, specifically versions prior to 12.0.3 and 11.0.5. This flaw could enable attackers to carry out actions without being recorded in the audit log.

The Impact of CVE-2018-3776

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it compromises the integrity of audit logs, allowing malicious activities to go undetected and unlogged.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-3776

CVE-2018-3776 is characterized by the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in Nextcloud Server versions before 12.0.3 and 11.0.5, enabling attackers to avoid detection in the audit log.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nextcloud Server
Vendor: HackerOne
Vulnerable Versions: <12.0.3, <11.0.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the lack of proper input validation to perform unauthorized actions that remain undocumented in the audit log.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-3776 and enhance security measures, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Nextcloud Server to version 12.0.3 or 11.0.5 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor audit logs closely for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and administrators on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Nextcloud to promptly apply patches and fixes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.