CVE-2018-21251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability was found in Mattermost Server versions prior to 5.2 and 5.1.1, allowing for potential authorization bypass if the channel name did not match in both the parameters and the body.

Understanding CVE-2018-21251

This CVE identifies a security issue in Mattermost Server versions before 5.2 and 5.1.1.

What is CVE-2018-21251?

CVE-2018-21251 is a vulnerability in Mattermost Server that could enable attackers to bypass authorization by exploiting inconsistencies in channel names between parameters and the request body.

The Impact of CVE-2018-21251

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and actions within the Mattermost Server environment.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-21251

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in Mattermost Server versions before 5.2 and 5.1.1 allows attackers to bypass authorization by manipulating channel name discrepancies.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mattermost Server versions prior to 5.2 and 5.1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending requests with mismatched channel names in parameters and the request body.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2018-21251 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Mattermost Server to version 5.2 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review authorization mechanisms to detect any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation to ensure consistency in data handling.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Mattermost to address known vulnerabilities.