CVE-2020-8296 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Nextcloud Server prior to version 20.0.0 has a vulnerability that allows passwords to be stored in a recoverable format, even when external storage is not configured.

Understanding CVE-2020-8296

This CVE involves a security issue in Nextcloud Server that impacts the storage of passwords.

What is CVE-2020-8296?

Nextcloud Server before version 20.0.0 stores passwords in a recoverable format, which poses a security risk even without external storage configuration.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8296

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, compromising user passwords and potentially exposing confidential data.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8296

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves storing passwords in a recoverable format within Nextcloud Server versions prior to 20.0.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nextcloud Server
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Fixed in 20.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access and recover stored passwords, even in instances where external storage is not set up.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-8296 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Nextcloud Server to version 20.0.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Encourage users to change their passwords regularly to enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies and encryption practices to safeguard sensitive data.
Regularly monitor and audit password storage mechanisms to detect any anomalies.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Nextcloud to address vulnerabilities promptly.