CVE-2020-14452 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An issue was discovered in Mattermost Server before 5.21.0. mmctl allows directory traversal via HTTP, aka MMSA-2020-0014.

Understanding CVE-2020-14452

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Mattermost Server that allows directory traversal via HTTP.

What is CVE-2020-14452?

CVE-2020-14452 is a security vulnerability found in Mattermost Server versions prior to 5.21.0, where the mmctl tool permits directory traversal through HTTP requests.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14452

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to access sensitive files and directories on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure or manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14452

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Mattermost Server before 5.21.0 allows attackers to perform directory traversal using the mmctl tool over HTTP, enabling unauthorized access to files and directories.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Mattermost Server
Versions affected: All versions before 5.21.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests using the mmctl tool to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access sensitive files.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-14452 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mattermost Server to version 5.21.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor server logs for any suspicious activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement access controls and restrictions to limit the impact of potential directory traversal attacks.
Regularly review and update server configurations to enhance security posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Mattermost to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-14452.