CVE-2020-14423 : Security Advisory and Response

Convos before version 4.20 has a vulnerability that leads to a predictable secret value, impacting password resets and invitations.

Understanding CVE-2020-14423

Convos before version 4.20 does not properly generate a random secret, affecting the security of the application.

What is CVE-2020-14423?

This CVE refers to a flaw in Convos versions prior to 4.20 that results in the generation of a predictable CONVOS_LOCAL_SECRET value, which can be exploited in password reset and invitation processes.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14423

The vulnerability allows attackers to predict the secret value, potentially leading to unauthorized access through password resets and invitations.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14423

Convos before version 4.20 is susceptible to a security issue due to the improper generation of a random secret.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect generation of a random secret in Core/Settings.pm and Util.pm, resulting in a predictable CONVOS_LOCAL_SECRET value.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions before 4.20

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by predicting the secret value, potentially gaining unauthorized access to Convos instances.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-14423, users and administrators should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Convos to version 4.20 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regenerate the secret value to ensure unpredictability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Convos and other software components to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication to enhance security.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Convos to fix the vulnerability and enhance the overall security posture of the application.