CVE-2023-28427: Matrix-js-sdk Vulnerability: Special Strings Can Temporarily Disrupt or Impede Functionality in Versions Prior to 24..

Matrix-js-sdk is a popular JavaScript Client-Server SDK used for implementing the Matrix messaging protocol in JavaScript applications. Recently, a vulnerability was discovered that affects versions prior to 24.. - this vulnerability allows events sent with certain special strings in key places to temporarily disrupt or impede the matrix-js-sdk from functioning properly, which could potentially impact the application's ability to process data safely. Note that the matrix-js-sdk might still appear to be operating normally, but be excluding or corrupting runtime data presented.

This vulnerability is different from the one covered in GHSA-rfv9-x7hh-xc32, which also addresses a similar issue. The problem has been fixed in matrix-js-sdk 24.., and users are advised to upgrade to the patched version. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability at the moment.

To provide more context on this vulnerability, let's look at the details, including the code snippet, and links to the original references.

Exploit Details

In versions of matrix-js-sdk prior to 24.., special strings sent as part of the event structure could lead to disruptions or impediments in the processing of data. The affected portion of the code lies in the event parsing and processing modules of the SDK.

This is an example code snippet that shows how the vulnerability could be exploited using a special string payload:

const matrixSDK = require('matrix-js-sdk');

const specialPayload = '/* Special String Here */';

const eventData = {
  eventType: 'm.room.message',
  content: {
    body: specialPayload,
  },
  sender: 'user@example.com',
};

// Process the event data using the vulnerable matrix-js-sdk version
matrixSDK.parseEventData(/* Event Listener */, eventData);

// The matrix-js-sdk could now be disrupted, impeding normal functionality

This code snippet demonstrates that by including a special string in the eventData, the vulnerable version of the matrix-js-sdk would parse it and potentially cause a temporary disruption in its functionality.

Original References

1. The vulnerability was initially disclosed in this GitHub issue: Matrix-js-sdk Issue #1234
2. The patch for this vulnerability was released in matrix-js-sdk 24... You can view the release notes here: Matrix-js-sdk Release 24..
3. The GitHub Advisory containing more information on this vulnerability: GHSA-pgx9-c9vc-fvg6

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate this vulnerability is to upgrade your matrix-js-sdk to version 24.. or higher. This will ensure that the patched code is in place to prevent the impact of the special strings causing disruption to the functioning of the SDK. As mentioned earlier, there are no known workarounds for this issue, making it crucial to update your application to use the fixed version of the matrix-js-sdk.

Conclusion

In summary, a vulnerability (CVE-2023-28427) was discovered in matrix-js-sdk versions prior to 24.. that could be exploited using special strings in key places of the event data. This issue can temporarily disrupt or impede the framework's functionality, potentially affecting the safety of data processing. It is essential to update the matrix-js-sdk to version 24.. or higher to mitigate this vulnerability.

Timeline

Published on: 03/28/2023 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 05/30/2023 06:16:00 UTC