CVE-2024-22404 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2024-22404 concerns a permissions bypass in Nextcloud with the files zip app where users can download "view-only" files by zipping the complete folder.

Understanding CVE-2024-22404

This vulnerability affects the Nextcloud files Zip app, which is a tool used to create zip archives from one or multiple files within Nextcloud.

What is CVE-2024-22404?

In affected versions of the Nextcloud files Zip app, users can bypass permissions and download "view-only" files by zipping the entire folder. It is crucial to address this vulnerability to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The Impact of CVE-2024-22404

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 4.1. While the confidentiality impact is low, the integrity impact is none. This vulnerability requires low privileges and user interaction, making it important to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-22404

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The Nextcloud files Zip app vulnerability allows users to download "view-only" files by zipping the complete folder, bypassing permissions and potentially exposing sensitive data to unauthorized parties.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Nextcloud's security-advisories app, with versions including >= 1.2.0 and < 1.2.1 as well as >= 1.3.0 and < 1.4.1 being impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves using the files Zip app in Nextcloud to create zip archives containing "view-only" files, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps to address and prevent CVE-2024-22404 is crucial to safeguard data and mitigate potential security risks associated with the permissions bypass in Nextcloud's files zip app.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to upgrade the Files ZIP app to version 1.2.1, 1.4.1, or 1.5.0 to mitigate the vulnerability. Users who are unable to upgrade should consider disabling the Files ZIP app to prevent unauthorized access to "view-only" files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access control mechanisms, regular security audits, and staying updated on security advisories can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future and enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security patches and updates released by Nextcloud and promptly applying them can help protect systems from known vulnerabilities and ensure a secure environment for data storage and sharing.