CVE-2023-49105 : What You Need to Know

A critical vulnerability has been discovered in ownCloud, specifically in owncloud/core before version 10.13.1. This vulnerability allows an attacker to access, modify, or delete any file without authentication, given that they know the victim's username and the victim has no signing-key configured. The issue stems from the acceptance of pre-signed URLs even when no signing-key is configured for the file owner, with the earliest affected version being 10.6.0.

Understanding CVE-2023-49105

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-49105 to understand its impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-49105?

CVE-2023-49105 is a security vulnerability in ownCloud that allows unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of files without proper authentication. Attackers can exploit this issue if they know the victim's username and the victim does not have a signing-key configured.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49105

The impact of CVE-2023-49105 is critical, with a base score of 9.8, making it a severe security threat. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, file modifications, or data deletion.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49105

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-49105, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in ownCloud allows attackers to bypass authentication measures and manipulate files without the need for proper credentials, posing a significant risk to data integrity and confidentiality.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system includes ownCloud instances running versions before 10.13.1, with the earliest impacted version being 10.6.0. Users of these versions are potentially at risk of unauthorized access and data tampering.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit CVE-2023-49105 by leveraging the acceptance of pre-signed URLs, even in the absence of a signing-key for the files' owner. This loophole enables malicious actors to perform unauthorized file operations without proper authentication.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the necessary steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-49105 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

OwnCloud users should immediately update their installations to version 10.13.1 or newer to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized file access and modifications. Additionally, enabling signing-keys for file owners adds an extra layer of security.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, it is advisable to regularly monitor for security updates, implement strong access controls, and educate users on safe file-sharing practices to mitigate similar risks in the future.

Patching and Updates

Continuously monitor for security advisories from ownCloud and promptly apply patches and updates to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and system security is maintained.