CVE-2017-18908 : Security Advisory and Response

A problem was identified in Mattermost Server versions prior to 4.0.0, 3.10.2, and 3.9.2, where a request to reset a password may have been sent to an email address provided by an attacker.

Understanding CVE-2017-18908

An issue was discovered in Mattermost Server before 4.0.0, 3.10.2, and 3.9.2. A password-reset request was sometimes sent to an attacker-provided email address.

What is CVE-2017-18908?

CVE-2017-18908 is a vulnerability in Mattermost Server versions prior to 4.0.0, 3.10.2, and 3.9.2, allowing an attacker to receive a password reset email.

The Impact of CVE-2017-18908

Attackers could potentially reset passwords for user accounts by intercepting the password reset email.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18908

The technical details of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Mattermost Server versions before 4.0.0, 3.10.2, and 3.9.2 allowed password reset requests to be sent to attacker-provided email addresses.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mattermost Server versions prior to 4.0.0, 3.10.2, and 3.9.2 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing their email address for a password reset, intercepting the reset email.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2017-18908:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Mattermost Server to version 4.0.0 or newer to address this vulnerability.
Educate users about the importance of password security and awareness of phishing attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance account security.
Regularly monitor and audit password reset requests for suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Mattermost to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-18908.