CVE-2018-10657 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Matrix Synapse before version 0.28.1 is susceptible to a denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited by injecting malicious events, rendering rooms unusable.

Understanding CVE-2018-10657

This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in Matrix Synapse that can lead to a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2018-10657?

The vulnerability in Matrix Synapse prior to version 0.28.1 allows for a denial of service attack by injecting malicious events with a depth value of 2^63 - 1, causing rooms to become unusable. The exploit was observed in April 2018.

The Impact of CVE-2018-10657

The vulnerability can result in a denial of service attack, making rooms within Matrix Synapse unusable, impacting the availability of the service.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-10657

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the federation_base.py and handlers/message.py files of Matrix Synapse before version 0.28.1, allowing for the injection of malicious events that disrupt the normal functioning of rooms.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: Matrix Synapse before 0.28.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by injecting malicious events with a specific depth value, causing rooms to become unusable within the affected version of Matrix Synapse.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2018-10657, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Matrix Synapse to version 0.28.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activity within rooms that could indicate a potential denial of service attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Matrix Synapse to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Matrix Synapse promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security of the system.